( CNN ) -- If Jose Mourinho 's time at Real Madrid is nearing an end then he seems determined not to go quietly . The outspoken Portuguese coach 's time at the Spanish giants -- one of the world 's biggest soccer clubs -- has been adorned with three major trophies but also with a healthy dose of controversy . He has had to fend off regular reports of dressing room unrest and a rift with one of Real 's key players , goalkeeper Iker Casillas , the World Cup-winning captain of Spain . The 50-year-old has been strongly linked with a return to the English Premier League and former club Chelsea , with the current coach of the London-based club hinting on Tuesday Mourinho is set to replace him . But for the time being , Mourinho remains in situ at Real and used his latest press conference to hit back at defender Pepe , who had criticized his treatment of the benched Casillas in the press . Pepe has lost his place in the side to young French defender Rafael Varane in recent weeks . Mourinho , in typically bullish mood , told reporters : `` Pepe 's problem is easy to analyze . His name is Varane . You do n't have to be a genius , just a normal guy like me to understand that we 're talking about frustration . `` It 's not easy for a player to see how he 's outperformed by a 19 year-old kid , but the kid is fantastic . I had the courage to play him and the problem is very simple . Pepe 's life as an athlete has changed . `` He was permanent starter and it is also one of my decisions that did n't lead to a public discussion . I understand his frustration perfectly , and that it translated into what he said . `` Things are clear and I have no issue with him . It 's not an easy situation . I have to try to be honest and most people think that Real Madrid 's defensive future is Varane and Ramos . '' Mourinho 's decision to drop Casillas , who has been with Real his entire career and is a poster boy to the club 's many fans , has been met with many questions . After Casillas picked up an injury in January , Mourinho signed Sevilla 's Diego Lopez , and continued to play him even after Casillas regained full fitness . It led to much criticism of the coach , who reiterated on Tuesday that Lopez 's style of goalkeeping was more to his liking . `` I like Diego Lopez as a goalkeeper more than Casillas , '' he explained . `` It 's not personal , I just like him more . I like a goalkeeper that comes out and dominates the airspace and plays with his feet . `` Iker is fantastic under the posts and I can also say that he likes a coach like ( Spanish national team coach ) Vicente Del Bosque or with a different profile more . `` One 's more offensive , the other defensive . I have the right to say this and with me , in normal conditions , Diego Lopez is going to play . People can say what they want , I accept that but please respect a coach who decides who plays . '' Mourinho 's time at the Bernabeu has been mixed . He has won one La Liga title , last season , but looks set to miss out to archrivals Barcelona this time around . His quest to win the European Champions League for a third time in his career has also faltered . Recently , his side were beaten 4-3 on aggregate by German club Borussia Dortmund at the semifinal stage . Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to return to England with media reports claiming he has already negotiated a return to Chelsea at the end of the season . His previous spell in charge saw him lead the club to their first top flight title for 55 years . He won five trophies in his three seasons in London . Only last week he said , `` I know I am loved by some clubs , especially one , '' which was widely regarded as confirmation of his desire to once again coach at Stamford Bridge . On Tuesday Chelsea 's current manager , Rafael Benitez , confirmed he would be leaving at the end of the season and added : `` The next year there will be another manager . I think everybody knows who will be here . '' Mourinho , who has a contract at Real until 2016 , revealed he 's considered remaining at Real and refuted claims that is to do with a dispute over his severance package . Reports in Spain and the UK claim whoever breaks their agreement will owe the other party $ 26 million . `` I 've considered staying . The fans think what you , the press , sell them , '' he said . `` To make things clear I 'll tell you that I 'll be paid until my last working day here . I do n't want even one euro more the day I decide that I 'm not going to continue . ''
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said Chelsea 's criticism of him borne out of jealousy . Portuguese defender has lost his place in Real Madrid side to youngster Alexandre Varane . Mourinho tells reporters : ` ` Pepe 's problem is easy to analyze . His name is Varane . '' Chelsea coach Rafa Benitez hints he will take over from him shortly .