Jose Mourinho has dropped his strongest hint yet that a return to Chelsea is his desired move this summer.
Speaking following Real Madrid’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, Mourinho told reporters afterwards he was unsure of his next move.
“I didn’t make a decision (on my future) because I have a contract and more than the contract – because in football contract you break it when people want to break – is the respect I have for the club and the respect I have for the president.”
“I know in England I’m loved. I know. In England I’m loved by fans. I’m loved by the media, that treats me in a fair way, criticising me when I deserve it but giving me credit when I deserve it. I know I’m loved by some clubs, especially one.
“In Spain the situation is a bit different because some people hate me. Many of them are in this room (press conference room). It is difficult to make a decision because I like the club. I like the club, I like the president.”
Rumours of Mourinho’s return to Chelsea has been circulating for some time, with his time at Real seemingly at an end following another failed attempt at the Champions League coinciding with the upcoming managerial vacancy at Stamford Bridge.
Last night’s tie saw Real Madrid push forward looking to close the daunting three goal deficit, but finding themselves repeatedly pinned back by Dortmund's counter attacking football. Dortmund's refusal to pack men behind the ball in an effort to protect their lead reaped dividends as it repeatedly alleviated pressure. It lead to several strong chances for the German side. A Robert Lewandowski shot in the early stages of the second half smashed against the Madrid bar, only to bounce agonisingly close to the goal line and free of danger. Despite an invasive man marking job from Sergio Ramos - that straddled the border between tight and violent on several occasions - Lewandowski could have had a hat-trick last night to go with his four in last week’s first leg.
A wonder save from Madrid keeper Diego Lopez, to keep out an Ilkay Gundogan effort later in the half, further emphasised the extent to which Madrid must remain wary in their hunt to reduce the deficit.
Real looked a subdued force as the game entered the final ten minutes. The balance changed when Mesut Ozil raced down the right flank before pulling a ball across the six yard box and into the path of Madrid substitute Karim Benzema, who finished into the roof of the net and sent the Bernabeu into a frenzy. Sergio Ramos placed the tie on a knife edge by adding a second with a fine finish, leaving Mourinho’s side needing just one more to go through on away goals.
However, as the game entered stoppage time, Dortmund managed to recapture a composure that had deserted them briefly and see out the game, to go through 4-3 on aggregate and leave Jose pondering where he goes from here.
