Jose Mourinho storms back to Benfica with explosive locker room rant and shakes up club before Chelsea reunion

Jose Mourinho has reignited Benfica’s spirit with a stirring speech before his first match back as head coach. The 62-year-old manager returned to the club where his career began after signing a two-year deal, hoping to restore glory following a tough loss under previous boss Bruno Lage.

Benfica’s new era began just days after Mourinho’s appointment, as the team traveled to face Vila das Aves. The encounter was a crucial moment for the 38-time Portuguese champions, desperate to bounce back from their recent defeat. Mourinho’s arrival seemed to energize the squad, who produced a convincing 3-0 victory.

After the win, Benfica’s social media spotlighted Mourinho’s passionate words in the dressing room: “Winning at Benfica is beautiful. Playing at Benfica is f***ing tough. Losing at Benfica is f***ing tough. Winning at Benfica is f***ing beautiful. We’ve talked a lot, now we’re going there, now we’re going in there, and we’re going to kill them.” The manager’s fiery approach was met with equally strong sentiment from captain Nicolas Otamendi, who rallied teammates by declaring, “The only thing that matters at this club is getting three points and winning titles. It’s the only thing that matters. One for all, all for one, Benfica!”

The team’s performance suggested that Mourinho’s passion has already unified the squad. While Benfica took some time to settle into the match, their determination was clear, and Mourinho praised the players’ character and approach. “I said we had to go in with a winning attitude, and confidence levels were high in the second half. I just had to release the boys,” he commented after the game.

Despite the positive result, Mourinho was quick to temper expectations, reminding his players that beating a struggling AVS side was the minimum required. He made his standards clear: “I told them at the end of the game: ‘It was good, but nothing extraordinary.’”

Early in his tenure, Mourinho has begun leaving his mark through tactical tweaks and changes in routine. One key decision was dropping Andreas Schjelderup in favor of Franjo Ivanovic, who started alongside Vangelis Pavlidis. The move paid off, as both forwards found the net, validating Mourinho’s faith in Ivanovic—a player he admired since his performances at Union St. Gilloise.

Beyond lineup changes, Mourinho has also adjusted the team’s training practices, now permitting media access before league games, a break from tradition. He’s shifted the timing of his pre-match press conferences as well, holding them earlier in the day to better prepare for matchdays.

Benfica’s next challenge will be Rio Ave, marking Mourinho’s first home match at Estadio da Luz. Later in the month, he faces another emotional return—this time to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea in the Champions League. The impact of Mourinho’s leadership and adjustments will soon be tested, revealing just how much he can reshape Benfica’s fortunes.