Jose Mourinho speaks out on rumours he is set for sensational return to Real Madrid
Real Madrid were reportedly considering re-hiring Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions he could be tempted to return to Real Madrid.
Reports in Spain this week claimed the Benfica boss was on Madrid’s shortlist as they look to salvage something from a season that has not gone to plan.
Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso last Monday and doubts have already surfaced around replacement Alvaro Arbeloa following the club’s defeat at second tier Albacete two days later.
Madrid did beat Levante yesterday but had to cope with a hostile atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu with Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde targeted with boos.
Mourinho doesn’t like soap operas
Mourinho coached Madrid between 2010 and 2013, helping them to the Liga title in 2012, and is reportedly still on friendly terms with president Florentino Perez.
But asked about the rumours following Benfica’s 2-0 win at Rio Ave last night, the Portuguese gave a typically cryptic, yet conclusive, answer.
He said: “Don’t count on me for soap operas, there are good soap operas, but they take a long time, you miss one or two episodes and then you don’t get the story. Don’t count on me, I won’t go to soap operas.”
Arbeloa targeted despite Real Madrid win
Madrid did not announce the length of Arbeloa’s contract when he was installed and it is not yet known if he is the permanent head coach of merely an interim.
The former Real Madrid Castilla boss was also the subject of jeers from the Bernabeu crowd yesterday and claimed they came from people who were not true fans of the capital club.
He said: ”I know the source of these chants and campaigns. They come from people who don’t like Real Madrid.
“It’s a pleasure to have a president who is the most important figure in the history of this club, alongside Santiago Bernabeu. He has achieved everything, and I know the source of these chants.
“I’ve always respected the Bernabeu, I’ve been booed a lot too. It wasn’t a good week for us, and the fans have the right to express their anger.
“I don’t think booing at Vini will continue. I respect the Bernabeu crowd. Their demands motivate the players to give their best.”
Madrid’s victory means they moved within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona, who play Real Sociedad later today.