Jose Mourinho clears up rumors about Real Madrid interest amid talks of a contract offer
Benfica’s head coach, Jose Mourinho, has finally spoken out about the rumors linking him to a surprise return to Real Madrid.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid, winning one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey between 2010 and 2013.
Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that club president Florentino Perez is keen on Mourinho replacing Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season—almost 13 years after he left the Spanish giants.
Right now, Mourinho is under contract with Benfica until June 2027, but there’s a €3 million break clause that might let him leave up to 10 days before the season ends.
Although other big names like Jurgen Klopp, Didier Deschamps, Mauricio Pochettino, and Lionel Scaloni are being considered, Perez prefers Mourinho because of his experience and winning record. However, some people in Real Madrid’s leadership and players don’t agree with this choice.
On Friday, Mourinho addressed the rumors during a press conference ahead of Benfica’s game against Famalicao. “No one from Real Madrid has spoken to me. I can guarantee that,” he said. “I’ve been around football for many years and I’m used to these stories… but nothing is coming from Real Madrid. I have one year left on my Benfica contract, and that’s it.”
Some reports in Portugal say Benfica might offer Mourinho a new deal to keep him, but the club hasn’t confirmed this yet.
Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas said he would welcome Mourinho back to Spain’s top league. “If Real Madrid decides that, it will be good for the club,” Tebas said. “Mourinho always brings excitement, and that’s great for La Liga.”
Real Madrid looks set to finish the season without a trophy again, with Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and current boss Arbeloa all failing to win silverware over the past two seasons, while Barcelona keeps winning titles.
Real Madrid will next play Espanyol away on May 3.