Mansion Sports – Benfica coach Jose Mourinho firmly rejected claims regarding ongoing negotiations with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez concerning his potential return to the club.

While Los Blancos are reportedly searching for a replacement for current coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Mourinho emphasized that his main focus remains in Portugal at this time, although he did not completely rule out the possibility of leaving Estadio da Luz in the summer.

Real Madrid Struggling Under Arbeloa

Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso as Madrid coach in January, but has not yet been able to change the club’s fortunes.

Los Blancos were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich, and are now experiencing a second consecutive season without a major trophy, and most recently failed to win the LaLiga title after losing 2-0 to Barcelona at Camp Nou.

Mourinho Responds to Rumors

Amid growing speculation that Mourinho had submitted a list of 10 demands to Perez in order to return to Madrid, the Benfica coach spoke to the media on Sunday to clarify his position.

He told reporters: "I do not know what you are talking about regarding my demands to Real Madrid, so I cannot even answer your question."

Attempting to end the circulating transfer rumors, he added: "But all of these stories that are appearing - demands, meetings - are all just speculation."

“One-Week Window” Opportunity

While dismissing any current negotiations, the coach carefully explained the appointment mechanism in football, which still leaves open the possibility for the summer.

"There is one thing I want to emphasize: in football, it is not the professionals who have the interest in leaving or not leaving. I think when something begins... it is the clubs that have the interest and it is the clubs that begin or do not begin the process of getting the people they want," he said.

"I have not had any contact with Real Madrid, I have not done so, and until the final championship match against Estoril I also will not do so. After that, there is a one-week window in which I will have the freedom to speak with anyone I believe I need to speak with."

What Happens Next?

After Benfica complete their season, Mourinho will enter the self-declared one-week negotiation window.

The football world will closely observe whether Perez will ultimately bring back the "Special One" to Spain.

For now, Madrid remain focused on the El Clasico match against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday night, which they must win to prevent their eternal rivals from securing the league title.