Benfica suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Karabakh in their Champions League group stage opener, compounding earlier frustration after a dismal goalless draw with Santa Clara at home in their fifth league match.
This poor run intensified public backlash against manager Bruno Lage, whose position became untenable. He ultimately resigned following discussions with club president Luís Filipe Vieira. José Mourinho's name has resurfaced prominently within Benfica's hierarchy as a potential successor. The Setúbal-born tactician was previously considered by the club at the end of last season but the decision was made to retain Lage.
With the club's presidential election scheduled for October 25 – just over a month away – Mourinho, who parted ways with Fenerbahçe after their Champions League playoff defeat to Benfica, has emerged as the most high-profile candidate. The upcoming election introduces significant constraints: Vieira faces five rival candidates, amplifying pressure on the current president to make decisive choices regarding the coaching staff.
Following Tuesday's match, extra police were deployed outside the Estádio da Luz's garage as angry fans gathered, demanding explanations from the manager and president. Vieira eventually addressed the crowd in the early hours of Wednesday morning, acknowledging the team's struggles and promising changes.
