Mourinho took his first tentative steps in management with Benfica in 2000, but lasted just 11 games at the helm before changes at boardroom level led to him handing in his resignation. Some 25 years later, one of the most recognisable figures in world football is back at Estadio da Luz.
From humble beginnings, Mourinho has come a long way – winning countless trophies across spells with Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma. He was cleared to take the reins at Benfica after being sacked by Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Mourinho enjoyed a productive homecoming against struggling AVS, with Benfica easing to a 3-0 victory over rivals that sit bottom of the Portuguese top-flight. He had his players fired up for that contest, with dressing room footage being aired.
Mourinho told his squad before they headed out onto the pitch: “Winning at Benfica is beautiful. Playing at Benfica is f*cking tough. Losing at Benfica is f*cking tough. Winning at Benfica is f*cking beautiful. We’ve talked a lot, now we’re going there, now we’re going in there, and we’re going to kill them.”
Benfica remain unbeaten through five Liga games this season. They are five points adrift of table-topping Porto, but do boast a game in hand. Mourinho – who will be back at Stamford Bridge for a Champions League fixture on September 30 – will take in the first home date of his second spell in Lisbon when playing host to Rio Ave on Tuesday.