José Mourinho once again shook the coaching market after confirming that the renewal offer presented by Benfica was put on hold while speculation grows about a possible return to Real Madrid.
The Portuguese coach revealed that the Lisbon club sent him a new contractual proposal last Wednesday, but decided to postpone any decision until next week.
“On Wednesday the new contract offer from Benfica arrived. But my message to the club was: ‘Not now, thank you,'” Mourinho declared.
The future will be defined next week
The coach made it clear that the next few days will be decisive in defining his future, although he avoided confirming direct contacts with Real Madrid.
“On Sunday we will see. Next week is important for my future,” he said.
Mourinho also wanted to reduce the personal impact of any decision he makes and recalled the historical dimension of the Portuguese club.
“No one should worry about whether someone stays or leaves, because Benfica is and will be bigger than anyone,” he added.
Mourinho avoids talking about Florentino Pérez
Questions about a possible return to the Santiago Bernabéu did not take long to appear, especially after various reports indicated that negotiations with the Spanish club are advancing towards their final phase.
However, Mourinho avoided going into details and responded with irony when asked by Florentino Pérez.
“I don’t comment on phrases from presidents. And especially not from Florentino Pérez…”, said the Portuguese.
A return that gains strength
According to various information that emerged this Wednesday, the talks between Mourinho and Real Madrid have made significant progress in the last few hours.
The Portuguese coach already coached the white team between 2010 and 2013, a period in which he won a League, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup, in addition to returning the team to the semifinals of the Champions League consecutively.
Now, the possibility of a second stage in Madrid is gaining strength again while the future of the Madrid bench remains under analysis.
