Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho opens up on his future after Benfica’s final game of the season: ‘I will speak personally to Real Madrid next week’
Jose Mourinho is Real Madrid’s top managerial target, and according to multiple sources, the confirmed next managerial appointment.
Last night, he guided Benfica to a 3-1 win over Estoril in the league and finished the season unbeaten in the competition, although they still managed only to finish third.
It was, notably, their last game of the season meaning that the manager is now free to openly discuss his future and plan his next move.
Mourinho speaks on his future
Speaking to the media via MARCA after his last game with Benfica this season, Jose Mourinho refused to confirm his departure but hinted at the possibility quite strongly.
“I was happy every day at Benfica. I told that to the players tonight, that really, I was happy with them every day,” he began on his relationship with the Benfica players.
He then spoke on how staying at the club was a real option, although he admitted that the Real Madrid interest was real.
“There’s a 99% chance I’ll stay at Benfica, because I have a contract with Benfica and, in addition to having a contract, I have a renewal offer that I haven’t seen yet, but my agent said it was an excellent offer.”
“I haven’t heard anything from Real Madrid yet, but none of us are naive, and there are conversations between Jorge, the president, and the club’s management,” he added.
Mourinho then confirmed that he is planning to meet the Real Madrid administration before making a final decision and that the meeting is planned for next week.
“I will personally speak to Real Madrid next week, and I’ll make my decision then.”
“So far, there have only been talks between Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes, not with me.”
The Portuguese manager was then asked if he had anything to say about Real Madrid, to which he said,
“What do I have to say about Real Madrid? I want Real Madrid to win their game tomorrow. That’s all I have to say.”
“My agent has informed me that there could be a real & serious situation with Real Madrid, I am not denying that. But right now, I have not signed any contract with Real Madrid,” he concluded.
Just around the corner
While Mourinho did give a 99% chance of staying in Benfica, that number seems inflated and far from reality given the confidence in the Spanish media.
At this point, word has it that Mourinho has accepted all the required terms to become Real Madrid’s next manager and will be the one to take on the challenge of handling the difficult dressing room.
An official announcement is not too far away, especially with Mourinho’s duties with Benfica now complete. The only remaining hurdle is the election Florentino Perez called for, and an update can be expected immediately after.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
