Jose Mourinho shuts down rumour about Real Madrid return ahead of big Barcelona match

Jose Mourinho has rejected claims published in Spanish media this week suggesting he held a video conference with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to discuss conditions for a potential return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Portuguese manager dismissed the reports entirely when questioned about the matter today.

"I don't know what you're talking about regarding my demands on Real Madrid, as such, I can't even answer your question," Mourinho stated.

He went further, labelling all recent coverage about supposed negotiations as baseless.

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"But all these stories that have come out demands, meetings are all speculation," the Benfica boss added, firmly shutting down suggestions of any ongoing discussions with the Spanish giants.

Madrid have endured a deeply troubled campaign, with tensions boiling over dramatically in recent days.

The turmoil reached its peak when midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouameni were involved in a physical altercation at the club's training ground.

Valverde was subsequently hospitalised after suffering brain trauma during the incident, while both players received fines of €500,000.

This period of significant instability at the Bernabeu has reportedly led Perez to identify Mourinho as his top target to restore order.

The 63-year-old previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during his tenure.

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Mourinho emphasised that any potential move would need to be initiated by the interested club rather than himself.

"In the world of football it is not the professionals who are interested in going or not going. I think things, when they start, and I'm not referring to my specific case, I'm referring in general, it's the clubs that have an interest and it's the clubs that start procedures to try to have the people they want," he explained.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager confirmed he has had zero communication with anyone at the Spanish club.

"I have had no contact with either the president or with any of the important people in the structure," Mourinho said, adding that he refuses to engage in such discussions during the closing stages of a season.

He confirmed this stance will continue until Benfica complete their campaign against Estoril.

Following the conclusion of the season, a one-week window in Mourinho's Benfica contract will activate, permitting him to negotiate freely with other clubs despite having a further year remaining on his current deal.

Before any such discussions can take place, Mourinho's focus remains on securing Champions League football for Benfica.

His side welcome Braga tomorrow evening sitting second in the Primeira Liga behind champions Porto, but level on points with Sporting CP in third.

Only the top two Portuguese clubs qualify for Europe's premier competition next term.

Meanwhile, Madrid lock horns with Barcelona at the Nou Camp tonight.

Should Barcelona secure a point, they'll be crowned champions of Spain for the second season in a row.

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