Mourinho gives one word answer when asked about returning to coach Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho said he will have no qualms turning down Real Madrid if the LALIGA giants approach him to return to the dugout at Santiago Bernabeu. 

The Portuguese tactician was Los Blancos’ manager for three seasons, from 2010 to 2013, winning three titles: LALIGA, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España.

He successfully ended Barcelona’s hegemony in the Spanish top flight but failed to deliver the coveted La Decima, with three consecutive semi-final finishes. After falling out with key members of the squad, Jose left at the end of his third season, against the desire of Florentino Perez. 

While Arbeloa is currently doing a good enough job as Real Madrid’s head coach, after taking over from Xabi Alonso midseason, Los Blancos are expected to bring in a different permanent manager in the summer.

Mourinho’s name has been floated around, especially as he still has the admiration of a large section of the Real Madrid fanbase. Those feelings were stoked when Mourinho-coached Benfica beat Los Blancos in dramatic fashion to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage playoffs.

Los Merengues and Benfica were drawn against each other for the playoffs, and ahead of the first leg, Mourinho was asked about the Real Madrid links and whether he will be able to reject Florentino Perez’s approach to coach the UCL powerhouse again, and he answered bluntly, “Yes.”

Speaking about the game specifically, Mourinho admitted that he was wary of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League playoffs, despite having already beaten Alvaro Arbeloa’s side in the competition this season.