Portugal icon Pepe has hailed Jose Mourinho’s return to management with Benfica, calling his former Real Madrid boss “a much more thoughtful coach” who remains as driven as ever. The retired defender believes Mourinho’s homecoming is “beneficial for Portuguese football” and insists the Special One “hasn’t lost anything” as he begins a new chapter back in his homeland.
Pepe Delighted by Mourinho’s Benfica Homecoming
After years abroad, Jose Mourinho’s return to Portuguese football has sparked excitement across the country — including from one of his former players, Pepe. The legendary defender, who famously shared both triumphs and tension with Mourinho at Real Madrid, expressed admiration for his old boss’s decision to take over Benfica, calling it “a great thing for Portuguese football.”
Speaking to A Bola, Pepe said:
We have a coach who has just arrived at Benfica and who I know well — and who certainly won’t give up on a game. Having Mourinho in our league is always beneficial for how the game is played. It’s even good for European and international football because Mourinho attracts a lot of attention and showcases the quality of Portuguese football.
Mourinho replaced Fenerbahce, whom he left after they failed to qualify for the Champions League group stage, with a move to Benfica, one of Portugal’s biggest clubs. Pepe admitted that while he personally hopes his beloved Porto win the domestic title, he has nothing but respect for his former coach’s comeback.
‘He Hasn’t Lost Anything – He’s Still Mourinho’
Pepe, who turns 42 next year, reflected on his time under Mourinho at Real Madrid, describing the 62-year-old tactician as both demanding and transformative. Despite their past friction, he insisted Mourinho remains one of the sport’s most elite minds — only now, a more reflective version of the fiery coach who once prowled Europe’s touchlines.
I was trained by him. He’s an excellent coach who will do everything to help Benfica win,” Pepe said. “I don’t think Mourinho has lost anything; he’s still Mourinho. Experience teaches you many things — you give less to your blood and heart, and more to reason. Mourinho has improved this. He’s not calmer, but he’s more thoughtful.
The comments highlight how Mourinho’s managerial evolution has been shaped by his decades-long career across Europe’s elite leagues — from Chelsea and Inter Milan to Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, and most recently Fenerbahce.
The Real Madrid Years: Friction and Success
Mourinho’s relationship with Pepe during their time at Real Madrid was complex — a blend of admiration and confrontation. The centre-back was a cornerstone of Mourinho’s defensive system and helped Los Blancos win La Liga in 2012, ending Barcelona’s domestic dominance under Pep Guardiola.
However, their relationship soured in the coach’s final season, particularly after Iker Casillas was dropped from the starting lineup. Pepe publicly criticised Mourinho’s handling of the situation, while the manager dismissed the defender’s comments as frustration after losing his place to Raphael Varane.
Despite that fallout, Pepe now looks back with appreciation, describing Mourinho as a man whose passion and tactical rigor left a lasting imprint on him.
Mourinho’s Reputation: Demanding but Brilliant
Throughout his career, Mourinho has built a reputation for demanding excellence — a trait that’s led to both extraordinary success and infamous clashes with players. From Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw at Manchester United to Eden Hazard at Chelsea and Casillas at Real Madrid, the Portuguese tactician’s confrontational style has often divided opinion.
But even his critics acknowledge that Mourinho’s relentless standards often brought out the best in his teams. His 26 career trophies, including two Champions League titles, speak for themselves.
Pepe’s Legacy and Shared Respect
Pepe’s comments come shortly after his own retirement in 2024, ending a remarkable career that spanned two decades. The former Porto captain and Portugal mainstay played until age 41, winning the Portuguese Cup in 2023 and setting multiple age-related records in both the Champions League and the World Cup.
His respect for Mourinho reflects a broader appreciation among Portugal’s football community — not just for Mourinho’s achievements abroad, but for what his return means to the country’s football culture.
As Pepe put it, Mourinho’s Benfica era could rejuvenate interest, competition, and global visibility for Portuguese football:
Having him back home, with all his experience, is something that benefits everyone.
With Benfica already showing flashes of tactical discipline under Mourinho’s leadership, it seems the “Special One” has returned not just to rebuild a team — but to reignite a footballing nation.
