José Mourinho turned down Lisbon-based Benfica.GETTY IMAGES
José Mourinho "turned down the opportunity to resume his managerial career at Benfica," according to Duncan Castles of the SUNDAY TIMES. The Lisbon club hoped to tempt its former coach back to Estadio da Luz by "offering him an immediate return to management at his home country’s most prestigious club." Benfica sacked Rui Vitoria last week after "falling seven points off the lead in Portugal’s Primeira Liga." Mourinho -- "who has been on holiday with his family over the festive period -- was not keen on working in the country" where he secured his first European titles as a coach. He is "waiting for a position to open up at one of the continent’s leading clubs." In Italy, he is seen as a "potential successor" to Luciano Spalletti as Inter Milan seeks "a coach capable of ending Juventus’ domination of Serie A." Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez "sought to re-hire Mourinho earlier this season while the 55-year-old was still under contract at Old Trafford." Pérez "remains dissatisfied with the on-field performance and off-field actions of several of Madrid’s senior players and is considering radical changes to his squad." He sees Mourinho, "with whom he has maintained a strong relationship" since his '13 departure from the club, as a manager "who could implement that overhaul and build a new team." Paris St. Germain has a longstanding interest in Mourinho, "having tried to hire the Portuguese coach on at least three previous occasions" (SUNDAY TIMES, 1/6).
