Benfica presidential candidate João Noronha Lopes has committed to naming José Mourinho as the club’s head coach if elected, simultaneously unveiling a detailed new football management structure designed to deliver a league title this season.
Lopes, 59, expressed strong confidence that his proposed team would provide Mourinho with the necessary conditions for immediate success. He is running in the upcoming elections for the Lisbon club’s presidency.
“I have a great team that will create the conditions for Mourinho to be champion this season,” Lopes stated during an interview with the ‘Visão Vermelha’ podcast. “That’s what we want, to be champions this season, and this team will create the conditions for Mourinho, who will be my coach, to triumph.”
Lopes emphasized that the new organizational chart is structured to prevent internal conflicts, with each role clearly defined. “There’s no confusion, everyone knows what they have to do,” he assured.
The proposed football structure places Nuno Gomes as Vice-President for Football, with Pedro Ferreira serving as General Manager directly below him. Tomás Amaral is slated to be the Sporting Director, and Vítor Paneira will take on the role of Technical Director.
Paneira’s responsibilities include acting as a crucial link between the management structure and the team. He will maintain a regular presence at the club’s training center and on the bench during matches. His role also extends to monitoring loaned players and scouting new talent, particularly from secondary divisions.
Meanwhile, Mário Branco, who currently holds a different position, will not be part of Lopes’ leadership. Lopes confirmed that Branco would not join as general director, as he has already selected his preferred candidate for that role. He indicated a future discussion would take place with Branco regarding his next steps.