José Mourinho Makes Feelings Clear on Real Madrid Job as Jürgen Klopp Linked

Jose Mourinho has firmly dismissed rumors of a return to Real Madrid, likening the speculation to a tedious "soap opera" amid the club's ongoing crisis. The former Real Madrid manager, currently at the helm of Benfica, responded bluntly after his team's 2-0 victory over Rio Ave in the Primeira Liga on Saturday.

Real Madrid recently sacked Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge, appointing reserve team coach Álvaro Arbeloa as interim manager until the end of the season.[1][2][3] Spanish media outlets have buzzed with links to Mourinho for the 2026-27 campaign, fueled by his successful past tenure from 2010-2013, where he delivered a record 100-point LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Supercup.[4][2] President Florentino Pérez reportedly favors a reunion, valuing Mourinho's ability to handle big personalities in a reportedly volatile dressing room.[4][3]

However, Mourinho shut down the talk categorically: "Don't count on me for soap operas. There are many good soap operas, but they take too long. Then you miss an episode or two and you lose track. Don't count on me, I don't watch soap operas."[1][2][3] The 62-year-old Portuguese coach, under contract with Benfica until June 2027, emphasized his disinterest in prolonged drama.[1]

Jürgen Klopp emerges as another candidate, alongside names like Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann, as Real Madrid seeks stability post-Alonso's turbulent spell.[2] The Bernabéu faithful have shown frustration, jeering players like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and especially Vinícius Júnior during recent matches.[1][3] Benfica, third in the league and trailing leaders FC Porto by 10 points, faces Juventus in the Champions League midweek before hosting Real Madrid on January 28.[1]

Mourinho's ironic rebuff underscores his focus on Benfica, pouring cold water on what he sees as endless speculation in Madrid's chaotic saga.[5]

(Word count: 298)