Benfica manager Jose Mourinho is a candidate to take over at Real Madrid. La Liga giants are set to appoint a new manager at the end of a disastrous season.
Jose Mourinho has been linked with Real Madrid (Image: Miguel Lemos/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manager Jose Mourinho has not confirmed whether he will continue to manage Benfica next season, with rumors of a sensational return to Real Madrid growing. Mourinho, 63, only began his second contract with Benfica in September and is under contract until June 2027.
However, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager has emerged as a possible candidate after it was reported that Real, who were knocked out of the Champions League this week, had decided not to give caretaker manager Alvaro Arbeloa the permanent job. At a press conference on Saturday, Mourinho was asked if he could guarantee that he would remain at Benfica by the start of next season.
“I can’t say. How can you say that? It’s not just up to me! That’s clear,” the Portuguese replied, before comparing his work to that of the journalist who was asking him questions.
“I can’t guarantee that coaches, coaches, players, press directors, physiotherapists, all of us within the club structure, A BOLA journalists, like you, will be in BOLA for the next 10 years. We might want to, but we can’t guarantee that. Of course I can’t guarantee that.”
World Cup Legends: The stars of soccer’s biggest tournament in history – buy the special edition now
read more: Chelsea’s position on Vinicius Junior revealed after Real Madrid star’s ‘European tour’read more: “Jose Mourinho asked me to get him out of Chelsea. I could see it happening.”
According to Portuguese outlet Record, there is mutual interest between Mourinho and his former club. Real president Florentino Perez is also said to be keeping an eye on Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, Didier Deschamps, Lionel Scaloni and Mauricio Pochettino.
Mourinho is understood to have maintained a strong relationship with Perez since leaving the Bernabéu in 2013. The ‘Special One’ led Real to three titles in as many years, but he was unable to achieve the elusive 10th Champions League title for Los Blancos.
Mourinho opened up about his relationship with Perez in February when Benfica faced Real for a place in the last 16 of the Champions League. “The last time we spoke was when I signed for Benfica,” he said. He was released by Turkish giants Fenerbahce just a few weeks ago and immediately moved to Lisbon.
Should Real Madrid appoint Jose Mourinho? Share your opinion in the comments section.
Jose Mourinho left Real Madrid after three seasons in 2013 (Image: Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
“He told me he was very happy because I signed for a great club. He didn’t come to the last game, but I hope he can come here tomorrow and we can talk. We are great friends.”
For now, Mourinho’s focus is on finishing the season at Benfica on a positive note. His side currently sit third in La Liga, two points behind local rivals Sporting Lisbon, who have one game in hand.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
