José Mourinho has addressed rumours linking him to Real Madrid, stating he has not had any contact with the club’s president or key figures. He emphasised his focus remains on the current season, with no discussions planned until after the final game. Mourinho also touched on team selection and an evaluation of a Benfica B match.
No Real Madrid Contact Before Season’s End
Mourinho clarified his position regarding the Real Madrid rumours. He stated that clubs initiate contact when interested in players, coaches or executives. Mourinho said he has been avoiding the Real Madrid links but doing so honestly. He affirmed, “I have not had any contact with the president, nor with any of the important people in the structure. And by my decision, a decision similar to others I have had during my career, especially now in the final phase of seasons, I do not speak with anyone.”
He further stated he would not have contact with anyone until after the final league game against Estoril. He dismissed reports of demands and meetings as speculation. “All the stories that have come out about demands, meetings… it’s all speculation,” Mourinho said.
Benfica B Game Raises Questions
Mourinho referenced a Benfica B game. “Regarding sporting truth, I refer to yesterday’s game between Benfica B and Académico de Viseu, and it is enough to analyse that game to understand many things.” He did not elaborate further on what could be understood from the game.
Team News: Otamendi Absence and Defensive Lineup
Mourinho confirmed Nicolás Otamendi’s absence as an important loss. He noted Otamendi has been almost always available and played whenever fit. Richard Ríos is also absent. Tomás Araújo is fit and trained without limitations.
Mourinho revealed his defensive lineup. “Tomás Araújo is fine, he trained without any limitation on Friday and Saturday. The sensations are all very good. It’s not worth trying to hide what you can know. Tomás plays and António Silva plays.” He also indicated that Gonçalo Oliveira’s absence from the Benfica B game suggests he will be on the bench to provide cover.
Final Home Game Ambitions
Mourinho stressed the importance of the final home game of the season. “Tomorrow we don’t have to simulate states of mind because it’s objective: we have to win, we have no other solution.” He acknowledged the team dropped two points in the previous match against Famalicão, despite a strong performance for 60 minutes. He said that other factors came into play that prevented them from winning the game.
He highlighted the team’s positive attitude and preparation. “The work week was long, but good. We have two absences, but we have people who want to play and who want to give a good response. It is the last game of the season at home and it is a decisive game, therefore, the state of mind of the Stadium will also be important for the team. We are going to the last game with the ambition to continue depending only on us.”
Mourinho believes his team has the right mentality. “I think we are with the right mentality of those who play two finals. You’re right, last game at home, which also has some extra meaning. About the opponent and the fact that they played in the middle of the week, I think they had, by regulation, but also by justi