Benfica Manager Jose Mourinho Opens Up on January Transfer Plans

Benfica kick off their 2025/26 Allianz Cup campaign this Wednesday against Tondela, and ahead of the match, their manager José Mourinho spoke to journalists at a press conference.

The experienced gaffer admitted he would like to see some reinforcements when questioned about the winter transfer market.

"In my opinion, knowing the players and their limitations better, I said that one or two key players would be enough to give the squad character and balance. I haven't asked anyone for players, and no one has told me players are coming," he said.

"Internally, I share my analysis and my vision. But nothing more than that. My mission isn't to ask for players; it's to work with the ones I have and improve them. In the January market, if the board can help us with one or two players, that would be great for me."

Regarding the game against Tondela, he revealed that he would make changes and assured that Benfica would not take it lightly.

"We don't want to take it easy; we want to reach the Final Four. We'll be playing at our stadium. We won, and won well, in the last game, and we want to continue that momentum. We prepared well today, with a good training session, so that tomorrow we can be at a good level and win the game," he noted.

"Changes? Few, some. I'll change a few things," he admitted.

Meanwhile, João Diogo Manteigas, one of the presidential candidates in the club’s upcoming elections, recently suggested that José Mourinho has his eyes on the Portugal national team job.

According to Manteigas, it’s no secret within football circles that Mourinho hopes to lead the national side and has already spoken with Pedro Proença about a possible future appointment.

At present, Roberto Martínez remains in charge of the Portuguese senior team, with his contract running until the 2026 World Cup.

Despite guiding Cristiano Ronaldo and company to UEFA Nations League success over the summer, failing to deliver on the world stage next year could prompt the Portuguese Football Federation to consider a change — potentially paving the way for Mourinho to step in as national team coach.