Speaking to reporters on Wednesday morning, Lage wished Jose Mourinho “the best of luck.” The Portuguese manager has been linked with the Benfica role and is reportedly keen on taking charge at the Estadio da Luz.
"The most important thing is that I wish Benfica all the best. That’s what we tried to do upon returning — that was the spirit in which we worked hard from the start of the season, with a completely different squad. But unfortunately, certain constraints, both internal and external, didn’t allow us to do better,” he aid.
"I wish the best of luck to the man who comes next. I don’t know if the news is true, whether it’s Mr. Mourinho or not. What matters is that it’s someone who knows Benfica very well.
“He played against this team three times, praised the squad often, said I was happy — and he’ll be even happier with (Heorhiy) Sudakov and Dodi (Lukebakio) coming in.
"They always followed my instructions. I feel fulfilled. I wish Benfica well — the club did a lot for me and for my career, projected me in a way I never imagined, and gave me the financial stability to provide for my family."