Benfica Lisbon, the Portuguese record champion, is fighting to keep its star coach, Jose Mourinho, and is strongly opposing any move back to Real Madrid.
«Jose Mourinho is the coach of Benfica – until the contrary is proven,» stated President Rui Costa to the TV channel RTP Noticias.
However, the former professional acknowledged that it is now up to Mourinho to «decide» whether to accept the contract extension offer that Benfica presented him with last week, which runs until 2027. «Regarding everything else, I will speak with the Benfica fans this week to review the season,» Costa added.
Mourinho has the option to exit his contract within ten days of the last match of the season, which took place last Saturday (a 3-1 win against GD Estoril Praia). If he chooses to leave, a release clause of reportedly three million euros would be due.
Benfica Reportedly Seeking a Successor
Following the season’s conclusion, which saw Benfica finish in third place, Mourinho admitted that Benfica had made him an «excellent offer.» Simultaneously, he confessed to discussions between his agent, Jorge Mendes, and Real Madrid, who are keen to bring the 63-year-old back after a tumultuous season.
Mourinho emphasized that it is also true that he himself has not yet spoken with Real’s president, Florentino Pérez, «nor with anyone from the club’s management.» He added, «But I’m not stupid… there are contacts between the club and Jorge.» These contacts, he indicated, would extend to him personally later this week.
A return to Madrid is not a certainty, however. «It depends on the offer. It’s not about more or fewer euros, but rather about what they expect from me – and whether I am capable of fulfilling what they propose and meeting the profile they outline.»
Reports suggest that Benfica is already exploring potential successors. Marco Silva of Fulham is considered a top candidate. Costa, however, denied these rumors. «Have I thought about Marco Silva or anyone else should Mourinho leave? Obviously not!» he stated, reiterating that Mourinho is still the coach.