Jose Mourinho ended Benfica’s league season with a 3-1 victory over Estoril, completing the campaign without a single defeat in the competition. Despite that achievement, Benfica finished only third in the standings.
Jose Mourinho ended Benfica’s league season with a 3-1 victory over Estoril, completing the campaign without a single defeat in the competition. Despite that achievement, Benfica finished only third in the standings.
With the final match now played, attention immediately shifted toward Mourinho’s future, especially amid strong reports linking him with Real Madrid. The conclusion of Benfica’s season also means the Portuguese coach is now free to more openly address what comes next.
Speaking after the match, Mourinho made clear that his time with Benfica has been deeply positive, stressing how much he valued his relationship with the squad throughout the campaign.
“I was happy every day at Benfica,” he said, explaining that he shared those feelings with his players after the final whistle.
Although Mourinho stated there is a “99% chance” he remains at Benfica due to his current contract and a renewal proposal he has yet to review, he also acknowledged that interest from Real Madrid is a serious matter.
He revealed that while he has not personally received direct contact from the Spanish giants, discussions are already taking place behind the scenes involving his agent, Jorge Mendes, Benfica president Jorge, and club officials.
Mourinho suggested that while a continuation in Lisbon remains on the table, he is fully aware of the ongoing conversations and understands the significance of the opportunity potentially developing in Madrid.
His comments indicated that Benfica’s renewal offer exists, but Real Madrid’s pursuit is substantial enough to keep his options open.
Mourinho confirmed that he plans to meet with Real Madrid next week before deciding on his next step, emphasizing that no final agreement has yet been reached.
According to the manager, discussions so far have been limited to Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes, with no direct negotiations involving Mourinho himself at this stage.
When asked specifically about the Spanish club, Mourinho avoided major declarations, saying only that he hoped Real Madrid would win their upcoming match.
He concluded by reiterating that while a “real and serious situation” with Real Madrid may exist, he has not signed any contract.
Despite his public insistence that staying at Benfica remains highly likely, reports from Spanish media suggest Mourinho has already accepted the necessary terms to become Real Madrid’s next coach. With Benfica’s season over, the process now appears to depend largely on upcoming meetings and the situation surrounding Florentino Perez’s election.
