Jose Mourinho responds to speculation over his future amid shock Real Madrid return links

Jose Mourinho has firmly stated that Benfica’s Champions League qualification will not sway his decision regarding a potential move to Real Madrid . The 63-year-old manager is widely reported to be a leading candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at the Bernabeu, amid a challenging season for the Spanish giants . Mourinho, who assumed control at Benfica in September, has overseen an unbeaten run in the Portuguese league with only one match left to play.

However, a draw against Braga on Monday evening has left his side two points behind second-placed Sporting Lisbon, ahead of Saturday’s critical encounter with Estoril. Addressing the speculation at his post-match press conference, Mourinho declared: "You’re talking about Real Madrid, I’m not talking about Real Madrid. I’m talking about Benfica, and the work we’ve been doing won’t change because we’re second or third.

That’s not what’s going to influence my future. Mourinho is believed to be a leading candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa (Getty) “Obviously, Benfica wants to play in the Champions League, and so do I as a coach, but it has no influence whatsoever. " Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, securing a league title and the Copa del Rey.

The current campaign has been particularly difficult for Los Blancos, culminating in their defeat to Barcelona on Sunday evening, which sealed the league title for their fierce rivals, alongside widely publicised dressing-room unrest. Real Madrid were also knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage for the second consecutive season. Having been eliminated by Arsenal last term, Real Madrid fell short against Bayern Munich this time around, suffering a 6-4 aggregate defeat.