Mourinho hands Benfica a list of what he wants during winter transfer window

As Benfica navigates a competitive Portuguese League season under Jose Mourinho, the Special One has made it clear that the club must act decisively in the January transfer window to chase silverware. Appointed in September, Mourinho has stabilized the team but highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly in attack and defense. 

With Benfica sitting third in the league, he believes that these targeted moves could propel them to the Portuguese League title. Mourinho has pinpointed five key positions for reinforcement, both right and left wing, the midfield, left-back, and striker. He cited productivity issues in the attacking line and a lack of depth as critical concerns for him.

His preferred first target is Real Madrid's left back Ferland Mendy, who would offer experience and stability amid uncertainties in that role. Benfica is ready to bid €10 million for the Frenchman, who has been sidelined at Madrid.

Speculation also links Mourinho with reunions with some of his former players that includes striker Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad and midfielder Nemanja Matic who is currently applying his trade in Italy with Sassuolo.

Mourinho's wish list will mean squad trimming for some current players, but no names have been mentioned but one can expect the club will need to fund his buys with player sales during the January window. The winter window will represent a pivotal moment for Benfica as fans await action while the man known as the Special One demands it.

Rui Costa re-elected as Benfica President

In a thrilling election that went down to a run off, Rui Costa has been re-elected as Benfica President and will be in charge of the club for the next four years, defeating challenger Joao Noronha Lopes who made a strong case to dethrone the incumbent President.

The former Portuguese football legend, who first took the helm in 2021, gained 65.89% of the votes, showcasing strong support from the club's passionate fanbase. Benfica supporters set an all-time record for voter turnout for a sports club with 93,081 votes cast yesterday a testament to the club's global following.

Rui Costa praised his opponent for a respectful campaign, emphasizing that it is now time for unity and promising more victories on and off the pitch for the club going forward. 

As Benfica faces competitive challenges in the Portuguese League and in Europe, Costa hopes that his leadership continuity will stabilize the club. Fans hope that this cements the club's direction going forward and are optimistic of commencing a new era of glory. 

Benfica's Champions League woes deepen with another heartbreaking loss

Benfica fans are left reeling after yet another Champions League disappointment, falling 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen at the Estadio da Luz on a Patrik Schick second-half strike that proved decisive, condemning the Eagles to their fourth consecutive defeat in the league phase and leaving them languishing at the bottom of the standings with zero points.

The match was a tale of frustration for Benfica, who dominated possession and created numerous opportunities but failed to convert yet again, a telling tale for a club that has failed to score since the 16 minute mark of the first game. A goalless stretch of 344 minutes in the competition and counting.

These misses epitomized Benfica's inefficiency in front of goal, with expected goals of 1.42 compared to Leverkusen's 0.74, this stat suggests that they deserved at least a draw in this match. Manager Jose Mourinho must address this European slump quickly, or Benfica's campaign risks ending in utter embarrassment.

The club's manager said post game that he was happy with his club's performance but frustrated with the result. Benfica now sit 35th in the competition with the same record as 36th placed Ajax and remain out of the basement on goal differential. Oddly enough these two clubs will face off in their next league game in Amsterdam at the end of the month.