Mourinho dismisses Real Madrid return rumours, says he's staying at Benfica

Jose Mourinho has firmly shut down speculation linking him to a return as Real Madrid manager, calling the rumours a media 'soap opera' that should stop. The Portuguese coach made the statement after his Benfica side defeated Rio Ave 2-0 in the Portuguese league on Saturday, marking their first win in three games.

Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 and won the 2011-12 LaLiga title with a record-breaking campaign, is currently under contract at Benfica for this season. His dismissal of the rumours comes as Real Madrid searches for a permanent replacement after Xabi Alonso was sacked last week. The Bernabéu is currently managed by interim boss Álvaro Arbeloa, though reports suggest club president Florentino Pérez may be pursuing Jürgen Klopp.

For Nigerian football fans, this clarifies that one of the most successful managers in recent Champions League history is not returning to LaLiga's biggest stage—for now. With Mourinho staying in Portugal, the Real Madrid job remains open to other candidates.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/18/laliga-mourinho-speaks-on-becoming-next-real-madrid-manager/