Mourinho BLOCKS Chelsea: New Benfica boss takes first decision

Jose Mourinho has not officially been appointed as the new head coach of Benfica, but he has already taken his first decision for the post – and it is not one that will please former club Chelsea.

Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce back in August after they failed to qualify for the Champions League, with his brand of negative football criticised by president Ali Koc.

But the legendary figure is close to making an instant return to football via Benfica. With Bruno Lage sacked, the Lisbon club have moved swiftly to secure the services of the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that a deal is all but completed.

Antonio Silva to Chelsea blocked by Mourinho

Mourinho’s first act back in Portugal will be to deny Chelsea the chance to sign centre-back Antonio Silva, who is a player they have been tracking for some time.

TeamTalk reports that the Blues had been eyeing the 21-year-old for a potential January transfer swoop to strengthen their injury-hit defence, yet Mourinho is ready to block any deal.

“Sources believe Chelsea might have to accept that Silva is out of reach, with the defender likely to be used as a cornerstone of any fightback,” it claims.

Antonio Silva was a breakout talent during the 2022/23 season, but after making early waves, has struggled to maintain that strong reputation.

Indeed, the current form of the 21-year-old is questionable, having had a nightmare Champions League appearance against Qarabag on Tuesday. Benfica held a 2-0 lead at home in that encounter yet contrived to crumble to a 3-2 loss largely thanks to the collapse of their defence. It proved Bruno Lage’s last match in charge.

If and when Mourinho is appointed, his first priority will be to fix that aspect of their play, with Antonio Silva set to be a central figure in those plans.

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