Mourinho Denies Contact with Real Madrid for Return

José Mourinho, the current coach of Benfica, addressed rumors about a potential return to Real Madrid, stating that there has been no contact from the club. This comes amid speculation that Real Madrid is considering him as a candidate to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, who seems set to leave after a second consecutive season without major trophies.

Mourinho, 63, previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, during which he led the team to a La Liga title in 2012. The club is currently trailing Barcelona by 11 points in the La Liga standings with five matches remaining and is set to face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Mourinho's Benfica side had previously knocked Real Madrid out of the Champions League in the playoff round in February. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez appointed Arbeloa in January to replace Xabi Alonso, but his tenure has been brief.