Jose Mourinho Fires Back at Real Madrid Return Speculation, Calls Reports 'Soap Operas'

During the chaos that Real Madrid has faced in recent days, José Mourinho dismissed rumors connecting him to a potential comeback to the Spanish capital while characterizing the club's circumstances as a "soap opera."

Álvaro Arbeloa was named as Real Madrid's interim manager following the club's separation from Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa will lead Los Blancos for the remainder of this campaign, though there's no guarantee he'll continue in the role for the 2026–27 season.

Several prominent coaches have been connected to the Real Madrid position following Alonso's exit, with Mourinho among the candidates. However, when questioned about this possibility, the Benfica manager delivered a typical Mourinho reply.

"Don't expect me to participate in soap operas," Mourinho stated, according to AS. "There are quality soap operas but they run very long, if you skip an episode or two you get lost. Don't rely on me, because I don't follow soap operas."

Florentino Perez Reportedly Hatched 'Mourinho Plan'

Florentino Perez Reportedly Hatched 'Mourinho Plan'

Mourinho's rejection of any possible return to the Bernabéu bench follows shortly after Spanish media indicated that the Portuguese manager was Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez's preferred candidate to become the club's new full-time coach.

In the aftermath of Alonso's departure, El Partidazo de COPE claimed that while Arbeloa would handle duties for the current season, Pérez's primary objective was to secure Mourinho's return for the following campaign.

Based on reports from Alfredo Relaño, Mourinho's bond with Pérez continues to be solid, noting that it wouldn't be shocking if the president advocated for the Portuguese coach's return for another tenure in charge.

Mourinho arrived at Real Madrid before the 2010–11 campaign and was tasked with helping Los Blancos break Barcelona's period of supremacy under Pep Guardiola. Mourinho secured three significant titles during his three years in the Spanish capital, guiding Real Madrid to become the inaugural La Liga team to accumulate 100 points in 2011–12.

His inability to capture the Champions League ultimately led to Mourinho's departure from the club. Nevertheless, he reached three straight semifinal stages, and he ensured to highlight at that time that the preceding 18 Real Madrid coaches had managed only five semifinal appearances collectively.

While Mourinho has rejected a possible return to Los Blancos, he continues to be a cherished personality among a significant portion of supporters and serves as motivation for many, including current manager Arbeloa, who has frequently declared himself a "Mourinhista."