José Mourinho, explained

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said Friday there has been no contact between him and Real Madrid, despite speculation the Spanish giants could turn to him this summer. José Mourinho has emerged this Saturday as one of the stories drawing attention in Bangladesh.

Key facts

• Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said Friday there has been no contact between him and Real Madrid, despite speculation the Spanish giants could turn to him this summer.
• I can guarantee that," Mourinho, 63, told reporters.
• I've been in football for so many years and I'm used to these things... but there's nothing from Real Madrid," added Mourinho, who guided Real to the 2012 La Liga title.
• Mourinho is currently head coach of Portuguese club Benfica.
• A return to the Bernabeu would enable Mourinho and Perez to rekindle a relationship that produced three trophies between 2010 and 2013, including the 2011-12 La Liga title by setting a new record points total, and set about reclaiming a title the club has not won for the past two seasons.

What we know

Going deeper, I can guarantee that," Mourinho, 63, told reporters.

On the substance, I've been in football for so many years and I'm used to these things... but there's nothing from Real Madrid," added Mourinho, who guided Real to the 2012 La Liga title.

Beyond the headlines, Mourinho is currently head coach of Portuguese club Benfica.

More precisely, a return to the Bernabeu would enable Mourinho and Perez to rekindle a relationship that produced three trophies between 2010 and 2013, including the 2011-12 La Liga title by setting a new record points total, and set about reclaiming a title the club has not won for the past two seasons.

It is worth noting that this season, Mourinho attracted widespread criticism for his comments after Madrid forward Vinicius Junior alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in a Champions League match in Lisbon on February 17.

By the numbers

At this stage, Portuguese former Chelsea and Manchester United coach Mourinho joined Benfica in September and is under contract until June 2027.

On a related note, Mourinho took charge of Real Madrid from 2010-2013, winning three trophies during his time in charge including the 2011/12 La Liga title and the 2010/11 Copa del Rey.

Going deeper, During his famous 11/12 season Mourinho led the team to a record 100 points and a still standing La Liga record of 121 goals scored in a single season, finishing the season with a +89 goal difference.

On the substance, Mourinho departed the club following the 12/13 season and has since bounced around Europe managing some of the games biggest clubs.

The wider context

On a related note, one big question still remains, how would Mourinho fair at a much changed Real Madrid almost 15 years later?

Going deeper, Mourinho has a €5 million buy-out at Benfica and that could be one of the most important €5 million Real Madrid will ever spend.

On the substance, I have a year to go on my Benfica contract, and that's all," added Mourinho, whose side were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the play-off round in February.

Beyond the headlines, the veteran Portuguese coach, who led Los Blancos from 2010 to 2013 in a heated rivalry with Pep Guardiola's Barca, is reported to be on Madrid's shortlist for a new coach.

More precisely, Real Madrid trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by 11 points with five matches remaining and were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

The bottom line

• A return to the Bernabeu would enable Mourinho and Perez to rekindle a relationship that produced three trophies between 2010 and 2013, including the 2011-12 La Liga title by setting a new record points total, and set about reclaiming a title the club has not won for the past two seasons.
• This season, Mourinho attracted widespread criticism for his comments after Madrid forward Vinicius Junior alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in a Champions League match in Lisbon on February 17.
• One big question still remains, how would Mourinho fair at a much changed Real Madrid almost 15 years later?