Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has admitted it is unlikely he will take temporary charge of Portugal - but stopped short of ruling himself out entirely.

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 Mourinho 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."