Updated / Tuesday, 12 May 2026 10:47
Jose Mourinho insists Benfica's Champions League fate will not influence whether he leaves for Real Madrid.
The 63-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to the Bernabeu to replace Alvaro Arbeloa following a difficult season for Real.
Mourinho took over at Benfica in September and has led the side to an unbeaten season in the Portuguese league with one match remaining.
But a draw with Braga on Monday evening leaves them two points behind second-placed Sporting Lisbon ahead of Saturday's clash with Estoril.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Mourinho said: "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. Obviously, Benfica wants to play in the Champions League, and so do I as a coach, but it has no influence whatsoever."
Mourinho managed Real from 2010 to 2013, winning one league title as well as the Copa del Rey.
A miserable campaign for Los Blancos was capped on Sunday evening when defeat at Barcelona sealed title for their rivals, while dressing-room unrest has also burst into the public domain.