Jose Mourinho maintains that he has not made up his mind to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The coach hinted strongly after Tuesday's Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund that he wanted to return to Chelsea, declaring he is "loved" in England whereas he believes people "hate" him in Spain.
However, speaking ahead of Real Valladolid's visit to the Bernabeu in La Liga this evening, Mourinho claimed nothing is certain yet. "It's not worth talking about whether I go or not," the Portuguese said. "If I go, I will not give explanations.
"I'm working with total professionalism and I still have the same honour and pleasure to work for this club as I did a month or two ago. I have not taken the decision yet.
"The first to know will be my wife and children, then the president [Florentino Perez] and director general [Jose Angel Sanchez]. We will speak about the future after the end of the season. I still have a Copa del Rey final and La Liga matches to play."
Mourinho, 50, who has been at Madrid for three seasons, added: "I feel no pressure from the Press. It's not a problem for me. The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself.
"Of the clubs I have left there were no negative words, all just the opposite. When I leave here it is not going to be any different."
It would appear many of the Premier League managers would welcome Mourinho's return. Andre Villas-Boas, the Tottenham manager, who worked under his compatriot at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan, said: "He obviously wants to come back to England. Whether he has a club lined up or not, we don't know. He would be a great addition to the Premier League. He has a wonderful history in this league and I think it would be spectacular to have him back."
Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager has a perceived rivalry with Mourinho dating back to 2008, when the Portuguese succeeded him at Inter. The Italian did not comment directly on Mourinho yesterday but suggested his return could make the top end of the Premier League more competitive.
Mancini said: "I think that it is important that next year there will be four or five teams who can play for the title. Not only two, like in the last two years. It is better for the championship.
"I think next year will probably be stronger than this year probably. Chelsea are a good team this year. We hope Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal can also compete for the title."
Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager was part of Mourinho's backroom staff at Stamford Bridge. He said: "Jose will be really looking forward to it if he does come back here. He had a wonderful time in England and he loves the country and the passion."
Everton's David Moyes agreed, saying: "He is a great manager and if he chooses to come back, I think it will be great for the Premier League.
"But at the moment, you don't know – we are just guessing. Nothing is for sure. I think everyone enjoyed him when he was here before and I'm sure if he chooses to come back, you will enjoy him again."
Martin Jol at Fulham felt Mourinho has always been keen on a return to England. The former Spurs manager said: "I always knew that he would like to come back to England. Years ago, before he left he told me that and he told other people
"I said the same years ago when I left England because this is probably the country with the strongest league. Especially in London. Manchester, of course, is a very good city as well but London is a great football city in Europe. I was very happy to come back and he probably feels the same."
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