Benfica may be left with something even better than Jose Mourinho, who many believe is floating too much on the bacon. Barcelona legend Xavi Hernández, who would never in a million years take a job for Real Madrid, is very attracted by the idea of managing a big club in Portugal. A country he simply loves!!
Xavi Hernández is lured by Benfica, who have a huge appeal.
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The Catalan coach stands out as one of the favourites if José Mourinho leaves Benfica. (something the experts are absolutely sure will happen)
Now Xavi Hernández could be on his way to Benfica – if José Mourinho returns to Real Madrid. The Portuguese press is already talking about a summer marked by dominoes. At Benfica’s headquarters, they move quietly, but club president Rui Costa has no plans to stand unprepared.
Xavi could be the solution for Benfica
The whole scenario is triggered by Mourinho’s situation. The Portuguese has a contract with Benfica, but his name is once again strongly linked to Real Madrid and the Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid are chasing a charismatic leader on the bench – and José Mourinho hits right at the heart of both emotions and winning culture.
Therefore, Benfica has been preparing for several weeks. Marco Silva is highly rated, but Fulham want to protect their man and complicate a possible transfer. In steps Xavi Hernández – still available after his time at Barcelona, and with a style of play, prestige and belief in youngsters that appeals to Benfica.
The Catalan coach does not have to negotiate with any club. That makes him more accessible than many others on the list.
Can Mourinho trigger a domino effect in Portugal?
A Mourinho exit would turn the entire coaching market in Portugal upside down. A return to Real Madrid will shake Europe. Mourinho, through his contacts, has admitted talks, but nothing has been signed yet. In Lisbon, however, they don’t want to wait too long.
Benfica know that a loss to Mourinho requires a quick decision. Next season requires stability from the very first day of training. Rui Costa evaluates various profiles – but Xavi Hernández stands out as particularly attractive. His style of play matches Benfica’s attacking traditions.
Benfica has always valued coaches who control with the ball, develop young talents and handle the pressure to win almost every weekend. In that context, Xavi Hernández fits better than many first thought. His time at Barcelona yielded one league title, one Super Cup and several established youngsters.
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Also Motta, Iraola and Marco Silva on the block
The list doesn’t stop with the Catalan. In Portugal, Thiago Motta and Andoni Iraola are also considered as potential candidates. Motta still has the wind in his sails for his modern football understanding, although his recent stay raised doubts. Iraola, on the other hand, is rising sharply.
The problem with Iraola is his market. Several European clubs are following him closely, and bringing him out of England will be neither easy nor cheap. Marco Silva continues to be the internal favourite with parts of the board, but Fulham will not let him go. That resistance opens doors for other names.
Xavi’s profile fits Da Luz
Xavi Hernández would have added a recognisable concept: possession, high pressure after a loss, and involved midfielders – a recipe that is likely to be to the liking of the Estádio da Luz. In addition, his experience with the pressure at Barcelona gives him great credibility. Benfica is not a small club or an intermediate car park.
The red squad from Lisbon needs a personality, but also one that can develop players. It plays in favor of the man from Terrassa. The operation will be decided by what happens to Mourinho anyway. If the Portuguese signs for Real Madrid, Benfica will accelerate immediately.
As of now, Xavi Hernández appears to be a real option, while Portugal await a decision that could shake several European benches during the summer.
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