Former Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho, has played down speculation linking him with a return to the Spanish giants to replace current coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
The Portuguese tactician, who is presently in charge of Benfica after joining the club earlier this season, addressed the rumours following his side’s Liga Portugal victory over Rio Ave on Saturday night.
Reacting to questions from the media, Mourinho urged journalists to stop dragging his name into what he described as unnecessary speculation.
“Real Madrid?” he said. “Stop including me in your ‘soap opera,’” according to @MadridXtra on X, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
Benfica’s win marked their first victory in three matches, coming on the same day Arbeloa’s Real Madrid side defeated Levante 2–0.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid after a highly successful spell at Inter Milan, where he won three major trophies during the 2009–10 season. He later led Los Blancos to the La Liga title in the 2011–12 campaign, setting records for most points, goals, and wins in a single league season.
He left the club in 2013 and returned to Chelsea. In recent days, several top managers have been linked with the Real Madrid job following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso last week. Arbeloa, formerly of Castilla, is currently in charge, although reports suggest club president Florentino Perez is keen on appointing Jürgen Klopp as the next head coach.
Cant believe Mourinho would turn down a Real Madrid return! Who wouldnt want to coach the likes of Hazard and Benzema again? #BringBackMou
Honestly, I think Mourinho should stay away from Real Madrid. Lets see some fresh faces in charge!
I find it hard to believe Mourinho wont return to Real Madrid. The drama is just too juicy to resist! #RealMadrid #Mourinho
Is Mourinho just playing mind games or is he truly not interested in returning to Real Madrid? What do you think?
Mourinhos denial just adds fuel to the fire! Could a Real Madrid reunion actually be in the cards?