Jose Mourinho casts doubt over Benfica future as Real Madrid return moves a step closer

Jose Mourinho casts doubt over Benfica future as Real Madrid return moves a step closerBenfica boss Jose Mourinho is a contender for the Real Madrid job, as the La Liga giants are set to appoint a new manager at the end of what's been a disastrous seasonCommentsSportNathan Ridley Senior Sports Reporter12:39, 19 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesJose Mourinho has been linked with Real Madrid(Image: Miguel Lemos/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Jose Mourinho was unable to confirm whether he'll still be in charge of Benfica next season, fuelling talk of a sensational return to Real Madrid. Mourinho, 63, only began his second spell with Benfica in September and has a contract until June 2027.‌But after Real, who were knocked out of the Champions League this week, reportedly decided not to give interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa the job on a permanent basis, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has emerged as a contender. In a press conference on Saturday, Mourinho was asked whether he could guarantee that he'd be at Benfica by the start of next season.‌"I cannot say, how can I say such a thing? It doesn't just depend on me! It's obvious," the Portuguese replied before comparing his job to that of the journalist who was quizzing him.‌"A coach in a club structure, a coach, a player, a press director, a physiotherapist, all of us in a club structure, like you, as a journalist from A BOLA, you cannot guarantee that you will be at BOLA for the next 10 years; maybe you want to be, but you cannot guarantee it. Obviously, I cannot guarantee it."WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition todayREAD MORE: Chelsea's stance on Vinicius Junior revealed after Real Madrid star 'tours Europe'READ MORE: 'Jose Mourinho demanded I get him out of Chelsea – I could see it coming'According to Portuguese outlet Record, there's mutual interest between Mourinho and hi...