‘Didn’t want to see it’ – Mourinho confirms Benfica renewal offer amid Real Madrid return talk | OneFootball

With Real Madrid in an absolute turmoil, the club are working hard to bring in a cultural reset, starting with the appointment of a new manager at the end of the season.

And, so far, everything indicates that Jose Mourinho, the current SL Benfica manager, is the chosen one to take over the reins from Alvaro Arbeloa.

Benfica, though, have been making their own moves to try and retain the Portuguese tactician, with plans to offer him a new contract.

Mourinho confirms renewal offer

Speaking to the media earlier today, Mourinho confirmed that Benfica had indeed sent him a new contract offer but he has refused to see it as he is focused on the team’s upcoming match.

“Yes, on Wednesday I received a contract extension offer from Benfica. The offer was given to my agent, but I didn’t want to see it, find out about it or consider it. I’ll only do that from Sunday onwards; I’d say on Sunday,” Mourinho said.

At the same time, Mourinho also stated that he had not received any offer from Real Madrid either, saying:

“As for Real Madrid, they never told me they had an offer to put to me. Neither the president nor anyone else in a position of authority. But if they had told me, I would have given exactly the same answer.”

Mourinho has a renewal offer from Benfica. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Continuing about his future, the Benfica boss added: “Next week will be important for me, for my future, and also for Benfica. When the season ends, Benfica have to start thinking about the next one.

“But, according to the contract and the agreement I signed on arrival, we have this period of a few days to see what happens and make a decision.

“Benfica is much bigger than me; there’s no comparison. It’s bigger than everyone, than any manager, player, president, than anyone.

“Therefore, as far as my personal situation is concerned, I don’t think there’s any reason to worry, because the club is bigger than everyone and there’s no need to worry if someone leaves.”

Mourinho on Real Madrid’s situation

The Portuguese tactician was also asked about the tense situation at Real Madrid and the war of words between superstar forward Kylian Mbappe and manager Arbeloa.

Mourinho sympathised with Arbeloa’s situation. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“It hurts. Because he’s a friend. One of those who gave his all for me when I was his player, and now that he’s Real Madrid’s manager, that connection always remains… Of course, as a manager, it motivates me even more to see things go well,” he said.

“But that’s the life of a manager. I often joke with my former players who become managers, telling them: ‘Wait a couple of years and you’ll see how many grey hairs you get.’

“And then they realise that being a player is easier than being a manager. I’m happy with what he’s already achieved.”

On whether he had seen the press conference held by Florentino Perez earlier this week, Mourinho replied:

“I haven’t seen Florentino’s press conference. If I do see it, I won’t comment on it; I never do so about presidents, and certainly not about Florentino.”

Source: AS