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José Mourinho has responded directly to growing speculation linking him with a sensational return to Real Madrid as a replacement for Álvaro Arbeloa.
The legendary Portuguese coach, currently in charge of Benfica, also took a moment to reflect on his emotional time at Roma, describing the Italian capital as the most notable environment of his illustrious career.
Pérez drives the chase
Amid intense reports that the 15-time European champions are interested in reuniting, Mourinho has played down the rumors by focusing on his current project.
He is currently in charge of Benfica, but reports suggest Florentino Perez is pushing his former manager’s quest to restore stability to a team that has struggled under Arbeloa.
When pressed about links to Real Madrid, the ‘Special One’ remained silent about his return to LaLiga.
Mourinho breaks silence on links with Madrid
Rather than fan the fire over a second season in the Spanish capital, the 63-year-old insisted his focus remains on the job at hand in Lisbon.
“My next goal is to return Benfica to the Champions League,” he said in an interview with the newspaper. The Giornalseemingly cold rumors of an immediate exit, despite reports of a manageable release clause in his contract with the Portuguese giants.
The response comes amid warnings from former Los Blancos star Guti, who suggested Mourinho is no longer at his best and Perez should look elsewhere for a tactical spark.
Roma continues to be the ‘best place’ for José
Reflecting on his storied career, which includes trophy-laden spells at Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid, Mourinho made a surprising admission about his time in the Italian capital.
Despite being fired by Roma in January 2024, he holds the club and its fans in the highest regard.
“For me it has been the best place of my career. I have never felt such an incredible atmosphere around a football team. The Olympic Stadium was always full,” Mourinho revealed.
The Portuguese coach guided Roma to Conference League glory in 2022 and the Europa League final the following year, creating a bond with fans that he believes is unmatched.
He added of his struggles since leaving: “Not even when I won the Champions League did I see scenes like that. My Roma is finished. I don’t want to say anything else. Actually, just one thing. Nobody should blame the Roma fans for not winning. The Roma fans are the ones who support the team, and nobody should touch them.”
Pressure increases on Arbeloa
While Mourinho focuses on Benfica, the pressure continues to increase at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Arbeloa was appointed to lead the first team in January following the departure of Xabi Alonso, but is under intense pressure after a poor run of results and the hierarchy are reportedly looking for an elite figure to navigate a transition period.
While Mourinho is Perez’s top candidate, he is not the only name on the list for the job.
Other high-profile managers, such as Argentine Lionel Scaloni, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino and Stuttgart player Sebastian Hoeness, have been linked to the position.
If Mourinho were to return, it would be his first spell at Madrid since 2010-2013, a period defined by his intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
