José Mourinho has firmly dismissed rumors that he has been in touch with Real Madrid over a potential return. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Benfica’s Monday clash with Sporting de Braga, the Portuguese manager stated: “No one from Real Madrid has spoken to me.”
Real Madrid arrives at tonight’s Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou amid turmoil. With no title hopes this season, a fractured dressing room following the serious incident between Fede Valverde and Tchouaméni, and heavy criticism directed at star Kylian Mbappé, a drastic summer overhaul seems inevitable. All eyes are on Florentino Pérez, who reportedly desires the return of José Mourinho to the Bernabéu bench.
However, Mourinho made his stance clear: “There is one thing I would like to underline. In the football world, professionals are not the ones who show interest in going or not going. When something happens with players, coaches, executives, and professionals, it is the clubs that show interest and initiate procedures to try to sign the people they want. They keep talking about Real Madrid, and I keep avoiding the topic, but with total honesty. I have had no contact with the president or with other important people in the structure.”
The Benfica boss emphasized his focus on his current team, though he left the door ajar for a summer move: “In the final stages of the season, I don’t talk to anyone. I haven’t had contact with anyone, and I won’t until the match against Estoril. After that, there is a one-week window where I will be free to speak with whomever I feel I should. But all the stories about meetings are speculation.”
Despite Mourinho’s denial, sources suggest that Florentino Pérez sees him as the man to restore order and discipline at Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Benfica is already preparing for his potential departure, with A Bola reporting that Marco Silva, currently at Fulham, is the top candidate to replace Mourinho. The Portuguese club’s sporting directorate highly values Silva, and his return to Lisbon is being seriously considered.
