Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has admitted it is unlikely he will take temporary charge of Portugal.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) have earmarked Mourinho as the man they want to lead the national team for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Denmark on October 8 and Iceland four days later while they go about appointing a full-time successor to Carlos Queiroz.
But in a press conference today, reported on www.marca.com, he said: "If it were not for Real Madrid I would do it for free.
"But if you ask me right now if I can go, I think not.
"I have a contract with Real Madrid.
"I do not say no, but in the natural way of things, I do not think this is the time."
Queiroz was sacked last week after being handed a six-month suspension for insulting anti-doping agents prior to the World Cup.
It has left Portugal in a difficult position, especially as they have taken just one point from their opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers with two more matches coming up next month.
The situation has left Mourinho, who only took charge at the Bernabeu at the end of last season, torn.
"Real Madrid have every right in the world to put an obstacle in the way," he said. "And if you put the slightest obstacle there, I can't go.
"To say no to Portugal is impossible because of my personal pride and my passion for Portugal, but at the moment I cannot say yes."
Mourinho was not a universally popular appointment with Madrid fans, who fear he will preside over a team playing unattractive football at the Bernabeu.
That was underlined as sections of fans jeered during Madrid's workmanlike 1-0 win over Osasuna at the weekend and those same supporters would almost certainly see it as a sign of disrespect should Mourinho split his time, even on a short-term basis, with Portugal.
Reports in Portugal yesterday claimed FPF president Gilberto Madail had travelled to Madrid to meet with Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes, in an attempt to broker a deal.
Former FPF president Joao Rodrigues has accompanied Madail on the trip, according to the reports, as he has good connections in Spain that could help secure Mourinho's short-term release.
Mourinho continued: "The FPF have not contacted Real and what the club knows is through me.
"Portugal wants me for those two games.
"They know I will not have any players to train, with the exception of three, during the international break, while if I went, I would be coaching three Real players in Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Carvalho.
"They thought that Real would not lose out with my absence and that is why they want me for the national team.
"If I was a free agent, I would go tomorrow but I'm at Real and I cannot say yes because my duty is with them, but neither can I say openly no because that would be impossible."
Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas believes former Inter Milan, Chelsea and Porto boss Mourinho has enough on his plate at the Bernabeu.
He said: "I think it would give him too much.
"I am sure he would like to coach Portugal but his head only thinks of Madrid.
"I don't think he will go. I have talked to him and his mind is set on Madrid."
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