Castles is very close to Mourinho so I'd imagine this is accurate.
Not surprised in the least. I'd said from the start that there was no way Levy was tying himself into a 45m contract come what may especially with a manager who can be as destructive as Mourinho and given we are loaded with the stadium debt. Levy is too shrewd an operator and too cautious with finances despite his obvious admiration for Jose.
I always understood why Levy took the gamble. I doubted it would work beyond the usual 2-3 years but didn't think it would be this poor. If Levy has insulated us from taking a massive financial hit on this, I think he's done his job well despite the result. He got a manager with proven success, he backed him, it didn't work out.
The narrative in the media is changing too:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.te...purs-hugo-lloris-dressing-room-divisions/amp/
It's just a matter of time.
Edit: just seen the contradictory post above. If Levy has given a guaranteed 45m contract, he's been a bit reckless. I can't believe he's been that naive.