José Mourinho, the Benfica head coach, has dismissed the idea of signing a contract extension at this moment, reiterating that his sole focus is on finishing the season before discussing his future. Speaking to reporters after Benfica’s draw with Sporting Braga, the Portuguese manager addressed lingering speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign.
When asked whether he would put pen to paper on a renewal now—given his earlier statement on March 1 that he would sign an extension without hesitation—Mourinho clarified: “No. Why? Because March 1 is March 1, and the last two weeks of the championship are not a time to think about contracts. They are a time to focus on the mission we had: to perform a miracle and finish in second place. And when I say miracle, I don’t want to elaborate too much, but I think you understand what I mean.”
He added, “From the moment we entered this final phase of the season with games that decided something important for the club, I decided I didn’t want to hear anyone. I wanted to be isolated in my workspace. After the match against Estoril, starting Monday, I will be able to answer the question about my future as a coach—and more importantly, the future of Benfica.”
Pressed on whether qualifying for the Champions League would influence a decision to join Real Madrid, Mourinho was firm. “No. And you are talking about Real Madrid, but I am not talking about Real Madrid. I am talking about Benfica. The work we have done—it will not change for me whether we finish second or third. That is not what will influence my future. Obviously, Benfica wants to play in the Champions League, and obviously, as a coach, I prefer the Champions League over the Europa League. But it has no influence.”
