Portuguese Reports Link Xavi to Coaching Benfica as Mourinho's Successor

Portuguese press reports link the name of Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez with the possibility of taking over the coaching of Benfica in the near future, as the Portuguese club is making early moves to select a new head coach in anticipation of potential changes in the coaching staff.

This comes at a time when the coaching market is experiencing a state of movement, with Jose Mourinho nearing the position of head coach at Real Madrid, which opens the door to a series of changes in several European clubs, especially in Portugal.

According to the Portuguese newspaper "Record," Benfica's management is considering several names to succeed the current coaching staff, including Marco Silva, who has the support of the club's president due to his experience in the English Premier League and his attacking style with Fulham, despite the English club's desire to renew his contract.

The name Ruben Amorim also stands out among the proposed options, following his previous successes with Sporting Lisbon, as he is considered one of the prominent figures in Portuguese football in recent years.

The same newspaper indicated that the list of candidates also includes external names, among them Xavi Hernandez, Thiago Motta, and Andoni Iraola.

The report added that Xavi's name is gaining attention within Benfica, especially since he is not affiliated with any club since leaving Barcelona, making negotiations with him easier. Additionally, his style aligns with the club's philosophy of offensive play and possession.

He also explained that Xavi holds a significant coaching status following his experience with Barcelona, where he won the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup, relying on several academy players, which is one of the aspects appreciated by Benfica officials.

The same source indicated that the future of Benfica's next coach will largely depend on the developments in José Mourinho's situation with Real Madrid in the coming period, amid expectations of an active summer in the European coaching market.