Jose Mourinho has been linked with a sensational return to Real Madrid, as the Spanish giants seek a new permanent manager this summer.
Real Madrid have struggled to play at the highest level this season, with the dismissal of Xabi Alonso eight months after his appointment, unable to revive their campaign.
Current interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa has failed to convince that he is capable of doing the job, and Madrid are looking for a high-profile manager. Reports suggest Florentino Pérez is driving the pursuit of his former manager to restore stability.
However, when pressed on the links to Real Madrid, Mourinho remained tight-lipped about a return to La Liga.
Benfica Head Coach José Mourinho has been linked with a shock return to Real Madrid. (Photo by Luis Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Instead of fuelling the fire regarding a second stint in the Spanish capital, the 63-year-old insisted that his focus remains on the job at hand in Lisbon. “My next target is to bring Benfica back to the Champions League,” he stated in an interview with Il Giornale.
Madrid’s decision to appoint Mourinho has raised eyebrows, with former Los Blancos star Guti suggesting that Mourinho is no longer in his prime.
The Benfica manager is not the only name being mentioned at Madrid. Other high-profile managers such as Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeneß have all been linked with the post.
Real Madrid are expected to announce a new manager in the summer, as they want the tactician to have a say in their transfer business, as well as a full pre-season with the team.
