Jose Mourinho has moved quickly to cool tensions with Porto fans after sparking anger with his unveiling comments at Benfica. The 62-year-old Portuguese coach, who began his career with the Lisbon giants in 2000, stressed that his return is not about 'waging war' on Porto or Sporting, despite admitting he expects a frosty reception when Benfica visit the Dragao in October.
Mourinho rejoins Benfica 21 years after Porto exit
Mourinho rejoined Benfica last week, 21 years after leaving Porto to take over at Chelsea, and immediately caused controversy by hailing his new role as a 'tremendous honour'. His words infuriated sections of Porto’s fanbase, who felt slighted by his remarks. Porto supporters voiced their frustration, and Mourinho acknowledged he would likely face hostility at Estadio Dragao on October 5 when Benfica visit.
AdvertisementAFPMourinho cools off rivalry talk with Porto and Sporting
On relationships with rivals: "I don't think they [Porto and Sporting] will be upset if I say that after joining Benfica, I spoke with president Villas-Boas of Porto and president Varandas of Sporting. If we have a good relationship, if we're friends and respect each other, the fact that I'm Benfica coach doesn't mean I've come here to wage war."
On Porto and his unveiling: "I didn't come to Benfica to upset Porto. I came to Benfica to enjoy the opportunity to once again coach a club with winning ambitions at a high level. By saying that Benfica is one of the biggest clubs in the world, I'm not saying that Porto isn't. If someone asks me if Porto is a giant club, I'd say yes. FC Porto is a very important part of my history, and I am a very important part of FC Porto's history."
On returning to the Dragao: "Now, of course, I don't expect to be applauded at the Dragao in two weeks. I played there with Chelsea, and I wasn’t applauded, let alone going as Benfica’s coach. FC Porto wants to win, we want to win, there's no more history."
Mourinho's return to Portugal after long time away
Mourinho’s return to Portuguese football after more than two decades has reignited old rivalries in Liga Portugal. His comments on Benfica being a 'tremendous honour' struck a nerve with Porto fans, who still revere his Champions League-winning spell at the Dragao. He has since spent successful years at Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, along with spells across Manchester United and Tottenham, among others.
AFPMourinho's Benfica to face Porto on October 5
Benfica are preparing for their next league fixtures as they continue their push for the title under Mourinho. Attention is already turning toward the October 5 clash at Porto, which promises to be fiery given the history involved.
