Topic José Mourinho, Benfica manager, directly addressed rumors of a return to Real Madrid.
Spain's Diario AS reported on the 2nd (Korea time), "Mourinho clarified the contact rumors with Real Madrid at a press conference. He emphasized, 'I have never received any contact from Real Madrid,' and that he currently has one year left on his contract with Benfica."
Recently claims have arisen that Real Madrid is preparing a "second Mourinho". Earlier, Sky Sports reported, "Mourinho is open to a return to Real Madrid. His agent and the club have already had talks," adding, "Mourinho is one of the candidates for the Real Madrid managerial position. In particular, club president Florentino Pérez holds him in high regard."
Adding to the rumors was the revelation that Mourinho's contract includes a buyout clause. David Ornstein of The Athletic also emphasized, "Mourinho is Pérez's most preferred candidate," saying, "Álvaro Arbeloa is likely to be sacked at the end of this season. The next manager depends on Pérez's decision."
This season's results at Real Madrid can only be seen as a failure. Xabi Alonso, appointed before the start of the season, was sacked midseason after falling out with the squad, and the hastily appointed Arbeloa has also failed to meet expectations.
Since the March international break, Real Madrid has managed just one win in six matches across all competitions. They were eliminated in the Champions League round of 16 by Bayern Munich, and with the league title effectively lost, they face a trophyless crisis. Depending on the next round's results, Barcelona's title could be confirmed as early as the following round.
A second consecutive trophyless season is effectively confirmed. The last time Real Madrid failed to win any of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League for two consecutive years was the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons. That is why interest in the next manager is growing even though the season is not over.
Arbeloa's position is also precarious. With a winning percentage of 60%, he is recording his lowest figure since Julen Lopetegui's 2018 tenure, and he is reportedly drawing complaints from Spanish players in the locker room. According to The Athletic, Pérez questioned Arbeloa's appointment from the start, and now calls for a managerial change are gaining traction within the board.
That's why news that Real Madrid wants Mourinho does not sound strange. He led Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 and won La Liga, and notably in the 2011-2012 season he set the remarkable records of 100 points and 121 goals. He also seemed well suited as a leader who can strongly control the squad.
But Mourinho directly dismissed the rumors. He said, "No one from Real Madrid has contacted me. I can say that for sure," adding, "I have been in football a long time, and as you have worked in the media a long time, you are used to these things. But there is nothing related to Real Madrid."
Still, he did not leave a hint about the future. When talk arose that Benfica would offer him a contract renewal, Mourinho said, "I cannot say in advance. I already said there is nothing related to Real Madrid, and the Benfica situation is as already known. I have one year left on my Benfica contract, and that's all," and withheld further comment.<
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