Mourinho breaks silence on Real Madrid return and addresses ‘biggest lie in football’
Updated: 29 Apr 2026 11:35 BST |
4 min read
Jose Mourinho has spoken out about the possibility of returning to Real Madrid after he was linked with a shock summer move to the Bernabeu side, where he has already had two previous spells.
Current Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to leave the club after failing to steer the side he inherited from Xabi Alonso to success either domestically or in the Champions League.
Alonso was sacked for losing control of the dressing room, and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has earmarked Mourinhowho is currently head coach at Benfica, as the man who can both discipline the squad and lead it to titles, according to respected insider David Ornstein.
Mourinho gets a cool reception in Madrid
The idea of Mourinho returning to Real Madrid might be one that Perez is in favour of, but it has sparked controversy in the Spanish capital.
Former Real Madrid star Iker Casillas simply posted popcorn emojis as he responded to rumours linking Mourinho with a move back to the Bernabeu, while Guti has suggested that there are better options for his former club.
“Mourinho is a great coach, but frankly I think he’s past his best now. He comes from Fenerbahce, he took over Benfica at a very bad time,” the ex-Spain midfielder explained on DAZN.
“I think there are coaches in better shape than Mourinho or that I would sign.”
Mourinho on Real Madrid return
The Portuguese was asked about the rumours for the first time in an interview with Sport Mediaset (via Corriere dello Sport).
Mourinho dodged the question, stating: “My next aim is to take Benfica to the Champions League.”
In order to achieve this, Benfica will have to finish second in Liga Portugal. Although they are currently undefeated, Sporting CP are only three points behind with a game in hand and a superior goal difference.
‘It’s the biggest lie in football’
Mourinho, a veteran of such sides as Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan, hailed Nerazzurri head coach Christian Chivu as well as Porto boss Francesco Farioli.
“Many coaches today end up on the bench because they know how to promote themselves,” Mourinho argued.
“Let’s face it, the idea that the game plan is more important than the results is the biggest lie in football.
“I’m happy that Chivu could win the Scudetto with Inter. When I coached him, I never thought he’d be a coach. He didn’t seem destined for success. But he was intelligent, he studied and worked his way up. It didn’t happen overnight.
“Is Farioli the new Mourinho? He’ll deservedly win the title with Porto. You might not like the way he plays or communicates, but when you win, you win.”
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