José Mourinho has insisted he wants to remain at Benfica despite growing speculation linking him with summer moves to Sporting CP and Manchester United.
The Portuguese coach, who is under contract until the end of the 2026/27 season, spoke about his future after Benfica’s 1-1 draw with Casa Pia on Monday. Reports had suggested the club could be exploring potential replacements, but Mourinho dismissed the rumours and made his intentions clear.
“Jorge Mendes is my agent, but I am responsible for my own decision.
My decision is that I would like to continue at Benfica,” Mourinho told reporters.
NOP NIGERIA reports that Mourinho returned to Portuguese football in September after more than two decades abroad.
However, he admitted the latest result has left Benfica’s title hopes hanging by a thread. The Lisbon side are seven points behind leaders FC Porto with six matches left in the Primeira Liga season, while Sporting sit second with a game in hand.
“You say we’ve dropped two points; I’d say we’ve lost our last chance to fight for the title,” Mourinho said.
“We’re no longer in control of our own destiny when it comes to finishing second. Even if we won every game, which would be extremely difficult, but possible, Sporting would also have to drop two points. But the aim is to fight for this.”
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager also voiced frustration with his team’s first-half display.
“I wasn’t happy with the first half,” he said. “At halftime, we talked about what we needed to change tactically, and I tried to make them understand, because there are some who seem to have lost touch with football and forgetrealities; I did a bit of maths for them.
“If we didn’t win this game, the title race would be over.”
