Benfica coach Jose Mourinho has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Real Madrid, saying no contact has been made by the Spanish club regarding their coaching position.

Reports in Spain suggested Mourinho was among candidates being considered by Real Madrid as pressure grows on current coach Alvaro Arbeloa after another disappointing season.

“No one from Real Madrid has spoken to me. I can guarantee that,” Mourinho told reporters on Friday.

“I’ve been in football for so many years and I’m used to these things, but there’s nothing from Real Madrid,” added the Portuguese coach.

Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, guiding the club to the 2012 La Liga title during an intense rivalry period with Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.

Arbeloa was appointed in January by club president Florentino Perez after Xabi Alonso’s brief spell in charge ended after only a few months.

Real Madrid are trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by 11 points with five matches remaining and were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Bayern Munich.

Mourinho, now in charge of Benfica, said he remains focused on his current role.

“I have a year to go on my Benfica contract, and that’s all,” he said.