When the Hype Runs Longer Than the Season: Mourinho Signs, Then Doesn't
18 January 2026
Update on Mourinho and Real Madrid
Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, currently guiding Benfica, responded to rumors about a possible return to Real Madrid.
During a press interaction, he was asked if we should expect his return to Real Madrid and he spoke in his characteristic style: Special One. He said do not rely on him in these long running series. There are good series, but they take a long time; miss one or two episodes and you lose track. Do not count on him, he does not take part in such sagas.
AS journalist Alfredo Relano claimed Florentino Perez is weighing a different plan for the club's coach, separate from whether Alvaro Arbeloa stays or goes.
Relano told Cadena COPE that Perez's ultimate idea is to bring Mourinho back, who is currently stirring unrest at Benfica, as a prelude to his dismissal.
He added that Mourinho was the only coach Perez was fully satisfied with, and he would not be surprised if the return to Real Madrid happened.
Mourinho previously coached Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning three trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Punchline: If this transfer saga keeps dragging on, I will start charging admission for every plot twist.
Punchline 2: Mourinho does not do soap operas he writes the script and we just squint at the headlines until the cliffhanger ends.
