Former Fulham manager Marco Silva, 48, has been named as the new head coach of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, taking over from Jose Mourinho who is moving to Real Madrid. Silva recently concluded his five-year term at Fulham when his contract expired. Benfica confirmed the signing of Silva for a two-season contract, extendable until 2028/29.
In a statement, Benfica announced Mourinho’s departure from Estadio da Luz, revealing that Real Madrid will pay 13 million pounds (15 million euros) in compensation to secure the return of the 63-year-old coach. Mourinho had guided Benfica to a third-place finish in the Primeira Liga this season, remaining unbeaten throughout the league campaign.
Jose Mourinho is set to make a comeback to Real Madrid for the second time, following his previous tenure that ended in 2013. His return comes after Florentino Perez’s victory in the recent Santiago Bernabeu election. Perez had promised Mourinho’s return during his campaign, highlighting the coach’s previous successful spell at the club, where Real Madrid secured a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup.
Real Madrid C. F. has officially announced the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa as the first-team coach to make room for Mourinho. The club expressed gratitude towards Arbeloa for his dedication and professionalism throughout his time at the club, emphasizing his embodiment of Real Madrid’s core values. Arbeloa took over as coach in January, succeeding Xabi Alonso, but the team faced another season without major silverware.
