Benfica’s anti-Madrid method to keep hold of Mourinho

Benfica have decided to act in response to rumours linking José Mourinho (63) with Real Madrid. According to AS, the Lisbon club have scheduled a meeting with the manager early next week to discuss a contract renewal. Mourinho is expected to take some time to consider the offer. However, Benfica’s move increases the pressure on Madrid to act quickly if they want to pursue the Portuguese coach, whose priority has always been to remain at Benfica, although a call from Madrid would naturally change the situation.

Mourinho arrived at Benfica after the season had already begun. It was a gamble by Rui Costa, one that ultimately helped him win the presidential elections. He signed Mourinho to a two-year contract, with an additional optional year, including a clause that allows the manager to leave for a relatively small fee up to ten days after the final match of the season, that is, until the end of May. According to AS, that clause is worth around $4 million, which is the amount required to bring Mourinho to the Bernabéu.

The situation would change if Mourinho renews with Benfica. In that case, the clause would no longer apply, and any compensation would be significantly higher. A renewal would also make a move to Real Madrid unlikely. As AS has reported, Mourinho has been informally offered to the club following a recent conversation between his agent, Jorge Mendes, and Florentino Pérez. However, Madrid have not made a formal offer. It is within this context that Benfica have moved to propose a renewal at the start of next week.

Mourinho is already planning for next season with Benfica. He still has one year remaining on his contract, and in Lisbon his arrival is widely seen as having significantly improved the team’s performances, highlighted by the 4-2 victory over Real Madrid that secured a historic play-off place. However, according to several sources cited by AS, Rui Costa’s stance has shifted following reports of Madrid’s interest. While still remote, the possibility of Mourinho returning to the Bernabéu 13 years later has prompted a change of approach. The Benfica president had initially intended to wait before offering an extension, but has now decided to act immediately.

Mourinho left a lasting mark at Real Madrid, managing the club for three seasons from 2010 to 2013. He oversaw 178 matches (128 wins, 28 draws, 22 losses), winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Supercopa de España, during an era dominated by one of the greatest FC Barcelona sides in history. He even introduced a tactical innovation, deploying Pepe in midfield to disrupt the play of Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta, an approach that proved effective.

Florentino Pérez consistently backed the Portuguese coach, and the two still maintain a close relationship. In December 2012, he publicly expressed his support for Mourinho, praising his achievements and defending him against criticism, a stance he maintained until the manager’s departure for Chelsea FC.

Now, Mourinho’s name has once again emerged in connection with Real Madrid, this time as a potential successor to Álvaro Arbeloa, alongside several other candidates. Aware of the situation, Benfica have made their move by offering a contract extension, effectively forcing Florentino Pérez to accelerate his decision. The Mourinho situation could be resolved soon.

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