José Mourinho has dismissed reports linking him with a potential return to Real Madrid, insisting there has been no contact between both parties despite growing speculation over the club’s managerial future.
Speaking on Friday, the Benfica coach said he remains focused on his current role and has not held any discussions with the Spanish giants.
“No one from Real Madrid has spoken to me. I can guarantee that,” Mourinho told reporters, downplaying rumours that have placed him among candidates to take over at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The 63-year-old tactician, who previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, led the club to a La Liga title in 2012 during a fiercely contested era against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
Speculation over a managerial change in Madrid has intensified following a disappointing campaign under current coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with the club trailing rivals FC Barcelona by a significant margin in the league standings and exiting the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
Mourinho, however, reiterated his commitment to Benfica, noting that he still has a year remaining on his contract with the Portuguese club.
“I’ve been in football for many years, so I’m used to speculation, but there is nothing from Real Madrid,” he added.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is expected to review the club’s direction at the end of the season as pressure mounts to restore the team’s dominance in domestic and European competitions.
