Benfica Coach Mourinho Says Champions League Qualification Will Not Impact His Future

Jose Mourinho stresses that Benfica’s push for Champions League qualification will not decide whether Mourinho stays at the club next season, as speculation grows over a possible return to Real Madrid following Alvaro Arbeloa’s trophyless campaign with Los Blancos.

The 63-year-old explains that focus remains on performance rather than the final league position, with Benfica unbeaten in the Primeira Liga and still needing a specific set of results on the last matchday to reach Europe’s elite competition.

Benfica meet Estoril on Saturday knowing victory alone is not enough; Sporting CP must also lose against Gil Vicente for Mourinho’s team to secure Champions League qualification, yet Mourinho stresses that this scenario will not drive any personal decision about the future.

Asked directly whether Champions League football could influence that choice, Mourinho replied: "No. I'm talking about Benfica, you're talking about Real." The answer underlines Mourinho’s message that public debate about Madrid does not match Mourinho’s own short-term priorities at Benfica.

Mourinho previously led Real Madrid from May 2010 to June 2013, claiming LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana, while Madrid scored 326 league goals in that spell and recorded 87 wins, 16 draws and 11 defeats in 114 LaLiga matches.

That record gave Mourinho an average of 2.43 points per LaLiga game during those three seasons, figures which help explain why Real Madrid are again linked with Mourinho as Arbeloa ends the season without silverware at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mourinho insists recent work at Benfica will not be judged on finishing second or third, saying: "As far as I'm concerned, the work we've been doing won't change whether we finish second or third. That's not what will make the difference. Of course Benfica wants to play in the Champions League and I'd prefer that too, but it has no bearing on the decision."

Discussion about contracts is postponed, according to Mourinho, who adds that the final week of the league campaign is not the time to address any agreement or future job, reinforcing the message that preparations for Estoril take absolute priority.

Mourinho states there has been no contact with any other club, domestic or foreign, explaining that such talks "made no sense" while competition remains, and that this stance reflects respect for Benfica rather than any farewell message to supporters or players.

Mourinho reiterates an earlier promise that Benfica matters will come first until the Estoril match finishes on Saturday, and confirms that from Monday questions about Mourinho’s position and Benfica’s longer-term direction will be addressed once the league season officially closes.