Last Updated:
Mourinho denies having established any contact with Real Madrid, and insists he will stay at Benfica amid reports of Los Blancos eyeing him as the replacement for Arbeloa.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho (AFP)
Seems like ‘The Special One’ is firm on staying put.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho has shut down speculation linking him with a return to Real Madrid, insisting he has had “no contact” with the Spanish giants.
Reports had suggested that club president Florentino Perez views Mourinho as a leading candidate to replace current boss Alvaro Arbeloa, after Madrid’s campaign continues to fall well short of expectations.
Real’s Struggles Fuel Speculation
Arbeloa, who took over in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure, has been unable to bring any immediate success.
With five games remaining in La Liga, they trail Barcelona by 11 points and are set to finish without silverware for a second straight season.
On top of it, Real Madrid were kicked out of the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich, and fell victim to second-division side Albacete in the Copa Del Rey.
That run has intensified pressure on the club’s leadership to make a decisive managerial change heading into next season.
Mourinho Responds
Speaking ahead of Benfica’s Liga Portugal clash with Famalicao, Mourinho addressed the rumours directly.
“No, nobody from Real Madrid spoke to me, I can guarantee that,” he said. “I’ve been in football for too many years… we’re used to these things, but nothing from Real Madrid,” Mourinho stated, as per Mark.
Pressed further, he added, “I can’t say anything more. I already told your colleague that, regarding Real Madrid, nothing, and regarding Benfica, you already know the situation. I have one year left on my contract with Benfica, and that’s all.”
Mourinho is no stranger to the Bernabeu. During his previous stint from 2010 to 2013, he led Madrid to three trophies, including the 2011-12 La Liga title — a campaign in which they amassed 100 points and edged Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
For now, though, Mourinho’s focus remains firmly on Benfica, even as speculation around Madrid’s next move continues to swirl.
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
