José Mourinho clarifies Real Madrid contact situation

José Mourinho, head coach of Benfica, spoke to the media on Friday ahead of the game against Famalicão and addressed reports linking him with a potential move to Real Madrid. “No one from Real Madrid has spoken to me,” the Portuguese manager said, stressing that he still has “one year left on [his] contract with Benfica.”

Asked directly whether there had been any contact with the Spanish club, Mourinho was unequivocal. “No, no one from Real Madrid has spoken to me, I can guarantee that,” he said. “I’ve been in football for many years, just like you in journalism, and we’re used to these things by now, but there’s nothing from Real Madrid.”

When questioned about reports from Diario AS suggesting Benfica intend to offer him a contract extension, Mourinho did not deny the possibility. “I can’t say anything in advance,” he explained. “I’ve already told your colleague that, regarding Real Madrid, there’s nothing, and as for Benfica, the situation is already known. I have one more year on my contract with Benfica, and that’s it.”

Mourinho was equally clear when asked whether, at this stage of the season, he considers this to be “his” Benfica and whether the conditions are in place for long-term stability under his leadership. “Benfica has been mine since I arrived, but I understand what you mean,” he said. “The longer a coach stays at a club, the more ownership they take of the team and the squad – it’s a natural process. Look at examples like Arsenal and Manchester City, where the same coach has been in place for six or seven years. Coaches who come and go find it harder to leave their mark. We’ll see.”

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