Jose Mourinho is believed to be increasingly likely to become Real Madrid’s next manager.
Sky Sports News understands that work is underway for him behind the scenes with the intention of making a move happen, despite the Portuguese insisting that he will not speak privately to the Spanish giants while Benfica’s season still remains.
President Florentino Perez has been a big fan of Mourinho since Mourinho first played at the Bernabéu between 2010 and 2013, and the two have maintained a close relationship.
Perez has been appointed as Mourinho Real’s next manager and is believed to be keen to arrest some of the unrest that has been brewing at the club in recent weeks, including in the dressing room.
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Sky Sports’ chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekor considers the possible scenarios in which Jose Mourinho could make a surprise return as Real Madrid head coach.
Mourinho said he will remain focused on the remainder of the season with Benfica as they battle it out against Sporting Lisbon to finish second and earn automatic Champions League qualification. Probably through a season of invincibility.
“There’s one thing I want to stress: in the world of football, it’s not professional to be interested in whether you play or not,” he said ahead of Monday night’s game against Braga.
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Marcus Rashford scored this sensational free-kick goal against Real Madrid, giving Barcelona the lead.
“I think when things start, I’m not referring to a specific case, but in general, when it happens between players, coaches and professional managers, it’s the clubs who are interested and it’s the clubs who initiate it.
“I don’t talk about Real Madrid and I continue to avoid them, but to be honest I do.
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Spanish football expert Terry Gibson believes Jose Mourinho should become Real Madrid’s next manager.
“I have not had any contact with the president or anyone important within the organization.
“And my own decision, especially now in the final stages of the season, and I have made the same decision as others in their career, is that I do not speak to anyone and therefore have no contact with Real.
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Manager Jose Mourinho has responded to speculation surrounding Real Madrid, saying he has not had any contact with the club.
“And there’s nothing until the last league game against Estoril. After that, you have about a week to be free to talk to anyone you want to talk to.”
“I’m not sure, but the stories, requests, and meetings that have come out so far are all speculation.”
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Former Real Madrid player Ramon Calderon believes Jose Mourinho has not yet decided on the Real job and prefers to gauge the reaction from the fans first.
Benfica, who are believed to be interested in Fulham manager Marco Silva if Mourinho leaves, have 22 wins and 10 draws this season and have not lost a game against Primeira, and are currently second in the table with two games in hand.
