Jose Mourinho Rejects Reports of Contact With Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho has rejected reports in Spanish media that he held a video conference with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to discuss a possible return to the club. The Portuguese manager dismissed the reports when asked about the matter on Sunday.

"I don't know what you're talking about regarding my demands on Real Madrid, as such, I can't even answer your question," Mourinho stated. He added that recent coverage suggesting negotiations were underway amounted to speculation. "But all these stories that have come out demands, meetings are all speculation," the Benfica boss said.

Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, emphasised that any move would need to be initiated by the club. "In the world of football it is not the professionals who are interested in going or not going," he explained.

The 63-year-old confirmed he has had no communication with the club. "I have had no contact with either the president or with any of the important people in the structure," Mourinho said. He added that he refuses to engage in such discussions during the closing stages of a season.

Mourinho said this stance will continue until Benfica complete their campaign against Estoril. Following the conclusion of the season, a one-week window in his Benfica contract will activate, permitting him to negotiate with other clubs despite having a further year remaining on his current deal.

Before any such discussions, Mourinho's focus remains on securing Champions League football for Benfica. The team sits second in the Primeira Liga, level on points with Sporting CP in third and behind Porto. Only the top two Portuguese clubs qualify for the Champions League next season.

Madrid has faced instability this season.

Tensions at the club reached a point where two midfielders were involved in a physical altercation at the training ground. One player was hospitalised after suffering brain trauma and both received fines of €500,000. This instability has reportedly led the club president to identify Mourinho as a target to restore order.

Real Madrid faces Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Sunday evening. A point for Barcelona would secure the Spanish title for the team for a second consecutive season.