"Should I go to Real just because they want me?" Mourinho draws a firm line: "My goal is to get Benfica into the UCL" — Publicly rejects desperate SOS

*This content was translated by AI.

Jose Mourinho (63), the Benfica manager, has directly drawn a line against rumors of his appointment as Real Madrid manager.

On the 30th (local time), the U.S. outlet "Fox Sports" reported that "Manager Mourinho dismissed speculation about his return to Real Madrid and named AS Roma as the best club of his career."

Recently, Real Madrid has been suffering from severe performance struggles. Since manager Xabi Alonso left the team in January, Alvaro Arbeloa has taken charge of the first team but failed to stabilize the crisis. The media reported that "Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is actively pushing for Mourinho's return to ensure team stability, given their shared glorious past."

However, Manager Mourinho clearly stated he has no intention of returning to Spain. In an interview with Italy's "Il Giornale," he said, "My next goal is to bring Benfica to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) stage," emphasizing his focus solely on his current team. This statement dispelled public speculation that he would pay a release clause to head to Madrid.

Former Real Madrid player Guti also expressed a negative opinion on Mourinho's return. He pointed out, "Mourinho's prime is over. President Perez must look for another manager to achieve a tactical turnaround."

Manager Mourinho has led big clubs such as Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, lifting numerous trophies. However, the team he showed the most affection for was AS Roma, which dismissed him in January 2024.

He said, "Roma is the best place in my football career," and recalled, "I have never seen such an amazing atmosphere. The Olimpico (Roma's home stadium) was always full." He continued, "Even when we won the UCL, there were no such enthusiastic scenes. Fans should not be blamed for not winning. Fans are people who genuinely support the team, and no one should touch them."

Meanwhile, as pressure mounts to dismiss Manager Arbeloa, the list of candidates for Real Madrid's next head coach is becoming more concrete. Along with Mourinho, Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni, USA national team manager Mauricio Pochettino, and Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß have been mentioned as potential candidates.

If Mourinho takes charge of Real Madrid again, it would mark his return 13 years after 2013, when he formed a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

Assuming he returns to Real Madrid, the anticipated tactics and starting lineup are already drawing the attention of football fans worldwide. The UK outlet "The Sun" reported on the 29th that "Manager Mourinho, who is likely to return to Real Madrid, is planning to completely restructure his super squad, not only with his signature 4-2-3-1 formation but also with the unconventional 3-5-2 tactic."

According to the media, Mourinho's "Plan A" is the 4-2-3-1 formation that brought success to Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 based on strong defense and counterattacks. At the front, Kylian Mbappé leads the line, with Vinicius Junior and Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), a target for recruitment, deployed on the flanks to maximize destructive power. In midfield, Rodri (Manchester City) or Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), both linked with transfer rumors, would form a three-man line alongside Federico Valverde, with Jude Bellingham supporting from ahead. The back four would consist of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, and Alvaro Carreras, while Thibaut Courtois would guard the goal.

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*This content was translated by AI.