Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Friday, May 15, 2026, 1:21 p.m. / Updated Friday, May 15, 2026, 1:21 p.m.
Jose Mourinho (63 years old), the coach of Benfica Lisbon, held the press conference prior to the away match with Estoril, in the last stage of the championship in Portugal.
Several Spanish journalists were present at the press conference, and Jose Mourinho commented on the speculation that he would take over Real Madrid from next season, but also the situation of the “interim” Alvaro Arbeloa, whom he had as a student during the time he coached the “galacticos”.
Jose Mourinho on negotiations with Real Madrid: “I was never told”
“It's an important week for my future, but also for Benfica's, because when the season ends you have to start thinking about the next one. According to the contract signed when I arrived, we have these 8-10 days to see what it is and make a decision.
On Wednesday I received a contract extension proposal from Benfica. The offer was forwarded to my agent, but I did not want to see it, nor to find out the details, nor to analyze it. I will do it only after Sunday, I would say even Sunday,” said Jose Mourinho, according to abola.pt.
Mourinho also mentioned that he has not received any offer from Real Madrid: “As for Real Madrid, I was never told that they would have an offer for me. Neither the president nor any important person in the structure. But even if they had told me, I would have responded absolutely the same.”
“The Special One” was also asked about the controversial press conference of the president of the “galacticos”, Florentino Perez: “I didn't see and even if I did… who am I to comment on the interview of a president and even less of a president with Florentino's history. I have no comment, I have no contact with the president or anyone in the structure of Real Madrid“.
The Lusitanian technician also spoke about the situation of the “interim” from Real Madrid, Alvaro Arbeloa, whom he had as a student: “It hurts. He is a friend, he is one of those who gave his soul, his life, for me as a player. And the moment he becomes a coach at Real Madrid, there is always this connection between me and Real Madrid, when the coach is Alvaro… my connection increases and the desire is for things to go well.
But that's life as a coach, and as I tell my ex-players-turned-coaches, wait a few years and see how many white hairs you get. Now you know that being a player is much easier than being a coach, I'm sorry it was like that, Barcelona won and won well,” he added.
