As Real Madrid enters a do-or-die El Clásico today, the man at the center of every coaching rumor has finally broken his silence. José Mourinho, currently managing Benfica, has strongly denied that any deal is in place for him to return to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Despite the “locker room war” at Valdebebas and reports of Florentino Pérez seeing him as the “only option,” Mourinho insists he is focused solely on his current job in Lisbon.

Mourinho: “Everything is Speculation”

Speaking to Marca ahead of Benfica’s final stretch of the season, the Portuguese manager was firm in his stance. He made it clear that he has had no contact with anyone from the Spanish capital.

“They keep talking about Real Madrid, and I continue to run away from that, honestly. I had no contact with the president or any other club official. In the final phase of the seasons, I don’t talk to anyone.” — José Mourinho

Mourinho explained that he will not entertain any offers until after Benfica’s final league game against Estoril. Only then, during a “one-week window,” will he be open to discussing his future.

The “Arbeloa Factor” and the Clásico

While Mourinho denies the links, the pressure on Álvaro Arbeloa has reached a breaking point. Following two seasons without a major trophy and the recent Valverde-Tchouaméni fight, it is widely expected that Arbeloa will leave his post this summer.

Real Madrid is waiting for the official end of the title race before making a move. If Madrid fails to win the Clásico today, the league is mathematically over, and the club is expected to trigger their search for a “disciplinarian” leader.

Is Mourinho the Right Man?

The debate among Madridistas is split:

  • The Pro-Mourinho Camp: Believes the squad needs a “hard-line” boss to fix the toxic atmosphere and stand up to Barcelona.
  • The Skeptics: Worry that Mourinho’s return would bring too much drama and “noise” to an already stressed club.

RMxtra Verdict: The Calm Before the Storm

Mourinho is an expert at managing the media. By “running away” from the rumors now, he is protecting his relationship with Benfica while leaving the door wide open for a return after the season ends.

If captain Vinícius Jr. and his teammates cannot pull off a miracle at the Spotify Camp Nou today, the “Speculation” Mourinho speaks of might become a “Reality” very quickly.