Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed rumors regarding a possible return to Real Madrid as the two clubs prepare for their Champions League playoff first leg.
Ahead of Tuesday’s match in Lisbon, Real Madrid striker Vinícius Júnior expressed admiration for Mourinho, stating that the Portuguese tactician “altered the club’s history a bit” during his tenure (2010-2013) with the team.
“I don’t want to promote fictitious stories,” Mourinho stated on Monday. “What exists is that I have one more year on my contract with Benfica, which is a unique agreement made during the presidential election process at the club. It contains a clause that can be easily activated by either me or Benfica. There is absolutely nothing going on with Real Madrid.”
“I would love to knock out Real Madrid, but I also wish for Alvaro [Arbeloa] to win LaLiga and stay at Madrid for many more years,” he added.
“He is a capable coach, possesses a lot of Madridista spirit, and has the personality required to lead Real Madrid, which isn’t for everyone.”
At 63 years old, Mourinho previously led Madrid to a LaLiga title as well as triumphs in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercup, taking great pride in his achievements at the club.
“I gave my all to Real Madrid,” he reflected. “I did both good and bad things, but I gave everything I had. When a professional departs a club feeling that way, there’s a lasting connection formed. Even after 12 years, I still feel that connection and affection.”
Mourinho anticipates facing a different Real Madrid than the one that lost 4-2 to Benfica in their last group match on January 28, a result that secured Benfica’s place in the playoffs.
Los Blancos, who appointed Arbeloa as manager last month after the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, enter the game riding a three-match winning streak in LaLiga.
“I’m expecting to see the Real Madrid that is a top contender for the Champions League,” Mourinho commented. “Defeating Real Madrid once is hard; defeating them twice is significantly harder. Winning three times or in a knockout round is even more challenging.
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“Their motivation to win the Champions League, rather than to eliminate Benfica, takes precedence. That is their greatest strength going into this match. We obtained a victory in our last meeting, and we understand the reasons for that, but we realize that this match will not be a repeat, as they’ve developed considerably in a short span.
“I ask my players to approach the game joyfully, as they have earned their place here. Perhaps it’s better to go up against the esteemed Real Madrid than to face a lesser team.”
The second leg will take place on February 25 at the Bernabeu Stadium.
“We will savor tomorrow’s match,” Mourinho said. “We aim for a result that provides us with a sense of accomplishment. Following that, we will head to Madrid to compete, entering without pressure, merely enjoying the challenge.
“I don’t think a miracle is required for Benfica to overcome Real Madrid. Instead, Benfica must perform at their absolute best. I’m not speaking about peak performance but rather being nearly perfect—a state that doesn’t truly exist. But it’s not about needing a miracle.”