Mourinho started his managerial profession with Benfica in 2000 however took cost of solely 10 video games and left after a dispute with the membership president.

He then made his identify with Porto between 2002 and 2004, successful six trophies – together with the Champions League in 2003-04.

Since leaving his homeland in 2004, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Inter Milan, Actual Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Fenerbahce.

Ought to Benfica appoint Mourinho, he would face Chelsea within the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on 30 September.

Benfica additionally journey to Newcastle United and host Actual Madrid later within the league section of the competitors.

Benfica are sixth within the Primeira Liga, 5 factors adrift of leaders Porto, however have a recreation in hand.

They completed second within the prime flight final season – two factors behind Sporting – below Lage.

The transfer to half firm with Lage coincides with Benfica getting ready for his or her presidential election on 25 October.

Joao Noronha Lopes, favorite to win the election, has his sights set on Manchester United supervisor Ruben Amorim and was at Etihad Stadium on Sunday to observe Portuguese.

Costa mentioned the choice to make a managerial change just isn’t motivated by his try to get re-elected.

“I am not right here to avoid wasting any positions,” Costa mentioned.

“I have not even gone wherever to marketing campaign but, as a result of my objective, as president of Benfica, is to make sure the most effective future for Benfica, no matter what occurs within the elections.

“And this decision-making has to do solely and completely with Benfica’s sporting season, and to keep away from jeopardising Benfica’s sporting season. I’ve by no means put my pursuits forward of Benfica’s, and I am not going to take action now.”