Benfica presidential candidate Martim Mayer has pledged to retain José Mourinho as the club’s head coach, but only if the team consistently secures domestic trophies and performs well in European competitions.
Mayer, 51, articulated his conditional support for Mourinho, stressing that his desire for coaching stability hinges entirely on the team’s success. He noted the historical average tenure for a Benfica coach is just 1.4 years, a testament to the “gigantic” pressure for results at the Lisbon club.
The entrepreneur, who is presenting an eight-year project for the ‘Eagles,’ stated that stability in the technical staff and squad are “very big indicators of victory.” He specifically cited the need for national championships, the Portuguese Cup, and Supercup victories, alongside strong European campaigns.
Mayer emphasized that if the team fails to achieve these victories, stability in the coaching staff would not be maintained, and a new solution would be sought. He added that any decision to part ways with a “world-renowned coach” like Mourinho would require a deep understanding of underlying issues, such as player motivation or the end of a squad cycle.
His project includes general director Andries Jonker, intended to ensure long-term work continues regardless of coaching changes. Mayer is the grandson of former Benfica president Duarte Borges Coutinho and leads the “Benfica in the blood” list.
The election for Benfica’s leadership is set for October 25. Other candidates include current president Rui Costa and former president Luís Filipe Vieira, among others. A potential run-off election would occur on November 8 if no candidate achieves a majority.