LISBON — José Mourinho addressed the media on the eve of Benfica’s Champions League knockout phase first leg against Real Madrid, speaking candidly about his past with the Spanish giants and his hopes for the tie.
The Portuguese coach began by dismissing speculation surrounding his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and the possibility of returning to the club.
“I don’t want to fuel stories that don’t exist. Yes, of course, you can say no to Florentino. I gave everything I had
to Real Madrid. I did good things and bad things, but I gave it my all. My feeling is that I gave everything, and people respect me for that, with my successes and mistakes. But I don’t want to fuel stories that don’t exist. The reality is that I have one more year with Benfica, with a very easy clause to terminate by either party. There’s nothing left with Real Madrid. I would really like to eliminate Real Madrid, and for Arbeloa to win La Liga and stay with Real Madrid for a long time. He’s a great guy and he deserves it,”
Mourinho also revealed when he last spoke to Pérez and reflected on his departure from Madrid, emphasizing the personal reasons behind his decision.
“The last time Florentino and I spoke was when I signed with Benfica, and he congratulated me. I hope he comes tomorrow. We have a great friendship, there’s no need to hide it… The president and José Ángel told me when I left that I was doing so just when the good times were coming, the easy times, that I had already done the hard work. But I thought it was the right moment, because my family comes first. It was even a turbulent time, but what came after is thanks to those who were there, not to me at all.”
The former Real Madrid manager highlighted the manner of his exit from the club, stating that he left on his own terms.
“I must be one of the few coaches who have left Real Madrid without being sacked. If you leave of your own accord, you leave with a clear conscience. I hope they forget about me and focus on helping their team qualify. Nothing more.”
Turning his attention to the challenge ahead, Mourinho rejected the notion that Benfica would require extraordinary circumstances to advance past the reigning European champions.
“I don’t think we need a miracle to get through. We need to be at our best, but not a miracle. Real Madrid is legendary, but we’re two giant clubs. Beating Real Madrid is very difficult. Doing it two or three times, knocking them out… It won’t be a repeat of what happened three weeks ago. We have to play with the joy of being here after starting with zero points in four games. We’re going to compete.”
Benfica host Real Madrid in Lisbon tomorrow in the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase tie.
