Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has been linked with a return to the Spanish club to replace interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Published May 1, 2026
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho says there has been no contact with Real Madrid, despite speculation that the Spanish giants could turn to him soon.
The veteran Portuguese coach, who led Los Blancos from 2010 to 2013 in a bitter rivalry with Josep Guardiola’s Barça, is reported to be on Madrid’s shortlist to become their new manager.
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Madrid’s current manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, is expected to replace him, considering the team will be unable to win a major trophy for the second consecutive season.
“No one from Real Madrid has spoken to me, I can guarantee you that,” Mourinho, 63, told reporters on Friday.
Mourinho, who led Real to the La Liga title in 2012, added: “I’ve been in football for many years and I’m used to things like this… but nothing from Real Madrid.”
Madrid president Florentino Perez appointed Arbeloa in January to replace Xabi Alonso, who had been in charge for only a few months.
Real Madrid trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by 11 points with five games remaining, and were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
“I have one more year in my contract with Benfica, that’s it,” Mourinho added. Benfica’s team was eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid in the playoff round in February.
