2026-01-19 11:42:41
Jose Mourinho has played down speculation linking him with a dramatic return to Real Madrid, dismissing the rumours as nothing more than “soap operas”.
The 62-year-old Benfica head coach was asked about the vacancy at the Bernabéu following Xabi Alonso’s departure, with Madrid currently operating under interim boss Álvaro Arbeloa.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet Sport TV, Mourinho made it clear he has little interest in being drawn into the debate.
He said: “Don’t count on me for soap operas. There are good soap operas, but they’re very long. You miss one or two episodes and then you lose track. Don’t count on me, because I don’t watch soap operas.”
Real Madrid are searching for a permanent manager after Alonso left the club last week, prompting the promotion of former defender Arbeloa to oversee first-team duties until the end of the season.
That change came against the backdrop of a shock Copa del Rey exit to Segunda División side Albacete, although Arbeloa did steady the ship with a league win over Levante at the weekend.
Despite that result, speculation around Madrid’s next long-term appointment has continued, with Mourinho’s name inevitably resurfacing given his previous spell in the Spanish capital between 2010 and 2013.
During that period, the Portuguese coach won three major trophies, including LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, while overseeing one of the most intense eras of El Clásico rivalry with Barcelona.
However, Mourinho is currently focused on Benfica, having only taken charge four months ago after signing a deal that runs until 2027.
Since his appointment in September 2025, he has overseen 15 wins from 25 matches in all competitions, with Benfica still unbeaten in the league.
That consistency has not translated into top spot, though, with the Lisbon side sitting third and seven points behind leaders Porto.
They are also trailing Francesco Farioli’s side, who remain unbeaten after dropping just two points in their opening 17 league matches.
Mourinho’s comments on Madrid follow recent reflections on his past elsewhere, particularly at Chelsea, after Benfica’s narrow 1-0 Champions League defeat at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
Speaking after that match, he said: “They belong to my history, and I belong to their history. But I don’t feed myself with memories, I feed myself with results.”
He added: “My career took me to a position where everybody thinks I have magic to make things happen. With me it is never enough. If I am in a job I like to put myself on the line every day. I am desperate to win the next match.”
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