July trap.. Why Mourinho became a headache for the management of Benfica.

Jose Mourinho’s case with Benfica takes a decisive turn on Tuesday when the release clause that allows him to leave for €7m expires, before the price rises to €15m after midnight, leaving Real and Benfica with crucial hours to settle the matter.

A race against time

Mourinho is calmly and confidently awaiting the results of the Real Madrid presidential election, given his increasing chances of taking over the technical leadership of the Royal team.

Benfica, on the other hand, are waiting and confused despite the imminent start of the new season, freezing many of their technical and administrative decisions pending a move from Real Madrid.

Sudden complications

Matters were further complicated after Sporting Lisbon lost to Torrence in the Copa final, forcing Benfica into the Europa League qualifiers on 23 July, forcing the team to start pre-season on 25 June.

The timetable puts pressure on Benfica’s management to resolve the manager’s case quickly, but all eyes are still on Real Madrid’s June 7 election.

Relations between Mourinho and Benfica have been strained recently amid a growing belief within the club that his departure has become a matter of time, while the only disagreement remains over the ultimate cost of his exit.