Mourinho Future In Focus As Real Madrid Links Resurface Following Benfica Campaign

Jose Mourinho expects clarity on the next step of his career within days, with strong reports suggesting the Benfica head coach is close to a dramatic return to Real Madrid after completing an unbeaten Primeira Liga campaign that still left Benfica outside the Champions League places.

The 63-year-old addressed the speculation after Benfica’s 3-1 home win over Estoril Praia on Saturday, a result that sealed an entire league season without defeat but could not lift Benfica higher than third behind Sporting CP and champions Porto in the Primeira Liga standings.

Mourinho confirmed that discussions about his next move are already under way, while insisting any talks with Real Madrid are indirect rather than formal. My future should be decided this week, Mourinho told reporters during his post-match press conference. I need time. I need space. I need time to make my decision. This week, I think, will be very important.

The Benfica boss acknowledged Real Madrid’s interest but stressed that no official contract offer has arrived. Mourinho said: I don't have a proposal from Real Madrid. But to hide, to say there is nothing, I cannot do that. There is something. But not with me directly. Reports in Spain and Portugal state Mourinho is the leading candidate to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa at Santiago Bernabeu.

During Mourinho’s first spell at Real Madrid, between 2010 and 2013, the Portuguese coach delivered LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana, while overseeing a prolific side that regularly challenged Barcelona at the top of Spanish football.

Across 114 LaLiga matches in that period, Mourinho’s Madrid recorded 87 wins, 16 draws and 11 defeats, collecting an average of 2.4 points per game. Madrid scored 326 league goals under Mourinho in that time, reinforcing why the club hierarchy is again considering the coach for the Bernabeu dugout.

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Although Benfica finished third and missed out on Champions League qualification for next season, Mourinho highlighted the importance of going through the domestic league schedule unbeaten, a personal first in a career that has included titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain but never an invincible campaign.

Mourinho reflected on that achievement with mixed feelings. It's a great thing, he added. It's the first time in my career. Being invincible, I never did it. I would change that for the title. No doubt about that. But it's something that reflects the mentality and togetherness of the team. It's something to make me proud as the leader of the group.

The unbeaten league season, the missed Champions League spot and the growing noise from Madrid all add weight to the belief that Benfica’s win over Estoril Praia was Mourinho’s final match in charge of the Lisbon club, with both Benfica and Real Madrid now waiting for the coach’s decision in the coming week.