Marco Silva replaces Jose Mourinho as Benfica head coach
Lisbon, June 10
Former Fulham manager Marco Silva has been announced as Sport Lisboa e Benfica's new head coach, replacing Jose Mourinho, who is departing for Real Madrid.
Silva, 48, ended his five-year stint as Fulham boss a week ago when his contract at Craven Cottage expired.
Benfica, in a statement, said they had "reached an agreement with Marco Silva for the signing of an employment contract valid for two seasons, extendable until 2028/29."
The club also announced Mourinho's exit from Estadio da Luz, with Benfica saying Real Madrid will pay them 13 million pounds (15 million euros) in compensation to bring the 63-year-old back to the Bernabeu.
"Benfica SAD has informed the CMVM that Real Madrid CF has formally expressed its intention to hire José Mourinho for the amount of 15 million euros, with the coach having given his agreement. Thank you, José Mourinho," the club stated in a statement.
Mourinho took charge of Benfica in September and led them to third place in the Primeira Liga this season as they went through the league campaign unbeaten.
Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid for the second time having been sacked at Los Blancos in 2013, after Florentino Perez won the election at the Santiago Bernabeu on June 7.
During his election campaign, Perez had pledged to bring back Mourinho, whose three years at Real Madrid saw the club win one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup during a period where the club was slightly overshadowed by Pep Guardiola's FC Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid C. F. have confirmed Alvaro Arbeloa's exit as they have reached an agreement to end his tenure as the first-team coach, making way for Mourinho.
"Real Madrid is deeply grateful to Álvaro Arbeloa, who throughout his career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism. His persona is a true example of the values of our club," the La Liga club said.
Arbeloa took over the helm in January to replace Xabi Alonso amid the team's struggles, but the club endured a second straight season without a major trophy.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Mourinho going back to Real Madrid feels like deja vu! I remember his first stint there - that 2011 La Liga title against Guardiola's Barca was epic. But his style is outdated now, no? Benfica got 15 million euros though, smart business. 🤔
As a neutral fan, I think this is a win-win. Benfica get compensation and a promising coach in Silva, while Real Madrid get nostalgia. But can Mourinho really compete now? The game has changed - look at how Klopp and Pep evolved. Hope he proves me wrong.
Poor Arbeloa! He got sacked for Mourinho just like that. I remember him as a player - solid defender but managing is different. Real Madrid is ruthless, yaar. Benfica actually looks smart here - they got money and a coach who might stay longer. Silva needs time, hope fans give him.
I'm curious how Silva handles the pressure at Benfica - they expect titles every year. At Fulham, he had patience from the board sometimes. Portuguese league is tough, Porto and Sporting are strong. But if he can build on Mourinho's unbeaten record, who knows? Happy for him though, well deserved.
Florentino Perez is like the ultimate boss - wins election, brings back his man immediately. Mourinho knows Real Madrid inside out, but his defensive football might not please Bernabeu fans who want entertainment. Still, 15 million euros is good money for Benfica. Smart move from both sides. 🇮🇳⚽
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