Record's deputy director reveals president Rui Costa appears to be stalling on renewal decision until after crucial derby
José Mourinho wants to stay at Benfica. The most successful Portuguese manager in history has made his intentions clear. Yet the club's response has been nothing but silence.
Record deputy director Vítor Pinto has lifted the lid on what appears to be happening behind closed doors at the Estádio da Luz, suggesting president Rui Costa is deliberately delaying any contract decision until after the upcoming derby.
When you have a manager with two Champions League titles, eight domestic championships across four different countries, and 26 major trophies willing to commit his future to your club, the response should be straightforward.
Instead, Benfica finds itself in a position that defies logic. Pinto's assessment cuts to the heart of the matter:
Benfica has the best Portuguese manager ever and Rui Costa seems to be waiting for the derby
This hesitation carries significant risks:
Mourinho's track record speaks for itself. From Porto's miraculous Champions League triumph in 2004 to Inter Milan's treble in 2010, he has consistently delivered at the highest level.
Pinto's revelation that Costa appears to be waiting for the derby result before making a decision exposes a troubling approach to football management.
Making Mourinho's future contingent on a single match, regardless of its importance, suggests a reactive rather than strategic mindset from Benfica's boardroom.
Rui Costa, the former Benfica and Portugal midfielder who became president in 2021, faces his biggest decision yet. His apparent strategy of using the derby as a litmus test reveals several concerns:
The irony is stark. Costa, who played under some of football's greatest managers during his career at Benfica, Fiorentina and AC Milan, should understand the value of managerial stability.
Mourinho's willingness to extend his stay at Benfica represents more than just a contract negotiation. It signals a potential shift in Portuguese football's established order.
For a manager who has conquered England, Spain, Italy and beyond, choosing to remain in Portugal sends a powerful message about his ambitions for Benfica.
Should Benfica secure Mourinho's signature, the ripple effects would be immediate:
Conversely, losing Mourinho through boardroom dithering would hand their rivals a significant psychological advantage.
The Special One's presence alone changes the dynamic of Portuguese football. His methods, while sometimes controversial, have delivered success wherever he has worked.
All eyes now turn to the derby. What should be a showcase of Portuguese football's intensity risks becoming a referendum on Mourinho's future.
If Vítor Pinto's assessment is accurate, Rui Costa has turned a straightforward contract renewal into a high-stakes gamble. Win the derby and perhaps Mourinho gets his contract. Lose, and Benfica might find themselves searching for a new manager while explaining to supporters how they let the best Portuguese coach in history slip through their fingers.
The clock is ticking. Every day of silence from Benfica's board is another day rival clubs can position themselves for Mourinho's signature. In football's ruthless marketplace, hesitation rarely pays dividends.
Yes, José Mourinho has made clear his intentions to remain at Benfica and extend his contract. However, the club has not yet responded to his commitment.
According to Record's deputy director, president Rui Costa appears to be waiting until after the upcoming derby to make a decision on Mourinho's contract renewal.
The delay could attract interest from other clubs, create uncertainty for squad planning, and may be interpreted by Mourinho as a lack of confidence in his abilities.
MatchdayJosé Mourinho has launched his trademark mind games ahead of Sunday's Lisbon derby, challenging Sporting manager Rui Amorim to reveal his starting XI first. The Benfica boss's playful provocation marks his return to the psychological warfare that defined his most successful spells, setting up a fascinating tactical and mental battle between two generations of Portuguese coaches.
MatchdayJosé Mourinho refuses to abandon Roma's pursuit of second place despite trailing by 12 points with four matches remaining. The Portuguese manager confirmed Richard Ríos has recovered from ankle concerns ahead of Sunday's crucial derby at Alvalade, maintaining his characteristic blend of pragmatism and defiance.
José Mourinho has won 26 major trophies throughout his managerial career, including two Champions League titles and eight domestic championships across four countries.
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