Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions he could return to Real Madrid as the stuff of "soap operas".

Madrid parted ways with Xabi Alonso last week after just seven months at the helm, with Alvaro Arbeloa taking the reins after coaching the Castilla team for half a season.

There was no mention of the length of Arbeloa's contract when Los Blancos confirmed his appointment, with reports continuing to link them with various big-name coaches.

Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp and former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca have been touted as potential candidates, while there were also reports in the Spanish media that Mourinho could return for a second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mourinho was in charge of Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning one LaLiga title, one Copa del Rey and one Supercopa de Espana. 

But when the Special One, who only returned to Benfica in September, was asked about those reports, he replied: "Don't count on me for soap operas. 

"There are many good soap operas, but they take too long. Then you miss an episode or two and you lose track. Don't count on me, I don't watch soap operas."

Mourinho won 128 of his 178 games in charge of Madrid in all competitions, with Manuel Pellegrini (75%) the only Blancos boss to better his 72% win rate since the turn of the century.

Mourinho's Madrid averaged 2.67 goals per game and 0.94 conceded per game. Only Rafael Benitez (2.76 for, 0.88 against) has overseen better figures on either front while in charge of Madrid this century (minimum 25 games in charge).

Madrid host Monaco in their penultimate game in the Champions League's group stage on Tuesday, while Benfica are away at Juventus on Wednesday.