In the swirl of football drama that spreads as quickly as BD Cricket discussions across Bangladesh, the 62-year-old José Mourinho once again finds himself at a crossroads. Benfica’s disastrous Champions League run, marked by four straight defeats and 14 goals conceded, has pushed fans to leave early in protest and forced the club to consider a massive 115 million release clause. What makes the situation even more electrifying is that his potential next destination appears directly linked to Liverpool’s defensive collapse this season.
Liverpool’s struggles may unexpectedly open a door for Mourinho. Under Arne Slot, the tactical structure has fallen apart, with PPDA metrics plunging and the team suffering the highest central defensive breach rate in the Premier League. The Reds desperately need a strong-willed manager to restore order. Mourinho’s defensive-counter approach has revived many troubled giants in the past, and his uncompromising management style could theoretically give Liverpool the jolt it needs. It would be a case of administering strong medicine to a critically ill patient, hoping for an immediate turnaround.
But returning to a major club carries risks that feel like walking a tightrope. Mourinho’s tactical philosophy has shown signs of falling behind the evolution of modern football, where high pressing dominates most elite teams. His traditional counterattacking blueprint has become predictable for many opponents. Benfica’s recent collapse is proof that stubbornness and reluctance to adapt can be costly. With Liverpool’s dressing room full of influential players, the fear is whether history might repeat itself, echoing his turbulent spells at Manchester United and Tottenham. Even if the 115 million release clause seems tempting, no top club owner wants to become the victim of an expensive miscalculation.
There is also a more unconventional scenario. Mourinho may decide not to return to any of Europe’s top five leagues at all. Portugal’s Primeira Liga was where his journey began, and despite the current struggles, Benfica’s hierarchy still holds a degree of respect and attachment to him. Alternatively, he might choose a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia, distancing himself from the intense scrutiny of top-tier European football. After all, taking over Liverpool would involve more than just fixing their tactical leaks; it would also require blending a squad assembled through 218 million in new signings. That is no simple task for any coach.
As this saga unfolds, fans around the world follow each update with the same intensity they bring to BD Cricket news. One side offers Liverpool’s urgent call for help, while the other promises stability or a high-paying escape. Whether Mourinho can recreate his legendary Porto miracle or simply become known for massive release payouts remains the burning question. And as BD Cricket conversations often remind us, predictions in sports can flip in the blink of an eye, leaving everyone guessing until the moment truth arrives.