Mourinho Addresses Real Madrid Return Rumors Amid Tensions at Benfica

Jose Mourinho addresses rumors of a Real Madrid return during a Benfica press conference, as Alvaro Arbeloa faces a decisive board meeting at the Bernabéu.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 5:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

The Special One Laughs Off Bernabéu Speculation

The prospect of José Mourinho returning to Real Madrid for a second tenure has dominated headlines following a weekend of mixed signals from the Portuguese manager. During a press conference on Saturday, April 18, ahead of Benfica's high-stakes derby against Sporting Lisbon, Mourinho was directly questioned about rumors of his departure for Spain. In a lighthearted but pointed response, the 63-year-old joked that he would be staying at Benfica because "nobody wants me," a statement met with laughter from the assembled press. According to reports from Record, the humor masked a deeper period of reflection for the manager as Real Madrid’s management reportedly considers him a serious candidate to stabilize their current technical crisis.

Real Madrid Prepares for Post Arbeloa Transition

The backdrop for Mourinho’s potential return is the increasingly precarious position of Álvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid. Having taken over the first team in January 2026 after a successful period with the youth academy, Arbeloa has struggled to maintain the club’s domestic and European standards. With Real Madrid facing a trophyless season following exits from the Copa del Rey and Champions League, the board is scheduled to hold a decisive meeting this week to determine the fate of the coaching staff. According to club insiders, Florentino Pérez remains a significant admirer of Mourinho’s disciplinarian style and is weighing the benefits of a proven winner against other potential targets like Jürgen Klopp.

Commitment and Uncertainty at the Estádio da Luz

Despite the allure of a return to La Liga, Mourinho has publicly reiterated his commitment to Benfica on multiple occasions throughout April. Currently contracted until June 2027, the manager emphasized that his desire to stay is not contingent on transfer budgets or investment. According to Mourinho, the decision rests entirely with the Benfica board and their vision for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign. He has already begun outlining a long-term project that focuses on integrating the club’s youth academy talent, signaling a strategic shift aimed at building a "small elite within the elite."