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Jose Mourinho Cites McTominay And Varane As Proof Of His ‘History’ With Young Stars As Benfica Boss Eyes January Reinforcements

Jose Mourinho on the sidelines as Benfica manager during a Liga Portugal match

Jose Mourinho is back in familiar territory — not just in Portugal, but in the spotlight. The charismatic Benfica head coach has reignited headlines by reminding everyone of his “history” with developing young players like Scott McTominay and Raphael Varane, while also calling on Benfica’s hierarchy to make strategic signings in the upcoming January transfer window.

Mourinho’s Return To Benfica — A Full-Circle Moment

After parting ways with Fenerbahce following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, Mourinho’s return to Benfica — the very club where his managerial career began in 2000 — was met with both nostalgia and anticipation.

However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Benfica have endured a tough Champions League campaign, suffering consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Newcastle United, putting their knockout hopes at risk. Still, Mourinho remains unbeaten in domestic competitions, boasting two wins and two draws in the Liga Portugal, alongside a Taca de Portugal victory over Chaves.

“Some Players Are Suffering From Low Confidence”

After a tense 0-0 draw against Porto, Mourinho admitted that confidence within his squad had taken a hit.

“Right now, the team is suffering from low confidence,” Mourinho said. “I found three, four, five players with a self-esteem crisis… We want to win, but we can’t lose.”

Even for “The Special One,” the task of rebuilding confidence while competing across multiple fronts has proven challenging.

Regret Over Missing Kerem Akturkoglu

In a candid revelation, Mourinho expressed frustration at missing out on Kerem Akturkoglu, the Turkish playmaker who left Benfica for Fenerbahce — the club Mourinho managed briefly before his dismissal.

“I did everything I could to sign him,” he admitted. “Perhaps one of the reasons I left Fenerbahce so early was because I couldn’t get the Benfica player I considered fundamental to my game.”

Ironically, that same player could have now been under Mourinho at Benfica had timing been kinder.

Mourinho’s Message To The Benfica Board

The Portuguese tactician, never shy about expressing his views, has made it clear that Benfica need reinforcements. But in true Mourinho fashion, he emphasized quality over quantity.

“We’re not missing 10 or even five players,” he said. “Sometimes, all it takes is one or two players — maybe one with more experience, or a different profile — to change the whole dynamic of a team.”

He added:

“In January, Benfica will surely add one or two players who can help strengthen the squad. If there’s someone who likes to promote young players, I’m one of them.”

Backing His Track Record With Young Stars

To silence doubters, Mourinho pointed to his proven history of nurturing talent:

“If there’s someone who has a history of working with players like Varane at 18, McTominay at 18, or Petr Čech at 18, then that’s me.”

His belief in youth remains as strong as ever, even as he juggles Benfica’s short-term ambitions with long-term development.

Eyes On January — And The Title

Mourinho remains optimistic about Benfica’s chances in the title race, vowing to keep pace with rivals ahead of the January window.

“We’ll stay close to our rivals until January — perhaps even ahead of them. Once we get our first Champions League win, we’ll fight until the end for qualification.”

For a man known for his confidence and conviction, the mission is clear: rebuild Benfica’s European fight, strengthen domestically, and remind the world why he’s called The Special One.

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