Mourinho stand-in worked with Thierry Henry before Benfica return | OneFootball

João Tralhão will take charge of Benfica at Arouca in the 26th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, with José Mourinho suspended in the clássico against Porto.

According to Glorioso 1904, the assistant will occupy the dugout, a responsibility he has already carried out on previous occasions.

Tralhão is part of Mourinho’s backroom staff and has also fronted communications for the group. Mourinho has said the assistant speaks on his behalf, reflecting the same technical stance.

Before returning to Benfica, Tralhão built experience elsewhere. In 2018 he left after 18 seasons in the academy to join Thierry Henry’s coaching team at Monaco. He later managed Vilafranquense and assisted Nuri Şahin at Antalyaspor and Borussia Dortmund.

He resumed work with José Mourinho in 2025/26 at Fenerbahçe. Tralhão then rejoined Benfica in the summer and is serving as an assistant this season.

Benfica visit Arouca on Saturday, 14 March, with kick-off at 20:30. The hosts are coached by Vasco Seabra.

Source: Glorioso 1904