JOSE MOURINHO led Benfica to an undefeated run this season but still only managed THIRD place as he nears a return to Real Madrid.
Mourinho, 63, in September – 25 years after a short stint that saw him making his first steps in management before rising to superstardom at rivals Porto in 2002.
Jose Mourinho led Benfica to an undefeated run as he nears a return to Real Madrid Credit: POOL/AFP via Getty Images
However, Mourinho still only managed a third-place finish with Benfica Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images
And the Portuguese tactician went on to enjoy a stunning record of 23 wins out of 34 matches, of which he lost none, in the Primeira Liga.
The ex- boss finished the season with a 3-1 win at Estoril but that confirmed a place outside the top two, which leads to the Champions League, and so the Eagles will play in the Europa League next term.
That was due to ‘s 11 draws, which proved to be too many and allowed Sporting Lisbon as well as Portuguese champions Porto to finish above them.
‘s former club amassed 28 wins and only two losses, while Sporting registered 25 victories and the same amount of defeats.
Those records proved to be better than the ex- boss’ entire unbeaten streak.
Of course the Special One wasn’t without defeat across all competitions as he lost seven times in the Champions League and once in the Portuguese Cup.
This comes amid reports suggesting the former manager is now in final negotiations over a return to Real’s dugout.
Los Blancos have with the ex-Inter Milan boss and a deal is expected to be finalised soon.
That would see Mourinho going back to Santiago Bernabeu 13 years after his acrimonious departure.
The former Roma boss won LaLiga and Copa del Rey during his three-year stint in Madrid but fell out with some of the team’s biggest names and that forced club president Florentino Perez’s hand.
However, Perez remained a big fan of Mourinho and has been considering him as the top candidate to steady the ship following a turbulent campaign.
are trophyless for the second year in a row after a difficult campaign riddled with .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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