Portuguese’s potential return would fit with Madrid’s recent history of reappointing former managers
Jose Mourinho is emerging as Florentino Perez’s preferred choice to become Real Madrid’s next head coach, with Alvaro Arbeloa expected to leave at the end of the season.
Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, is likely to be dismissed after a disappointing campaign in which Madrid are set to finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy.
Sources say the decision over the next manager is being led directly by Perez, marking a shift from last summer when Alonso’s appointment to succeed Carlo Ancelotti was overseen by general manager Jose Angel Sanchez, albeit with the president’s approval.
Perez is pushing for Mourinho’s return in a bid to rebuild the club’s fortunes following two seasons of underachievement. The Madrid coach reportedly met the players in the dressing room and described the season as an “intolerable failure” after they were knocked out by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final.
Mourinho previously managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning three trophies, including the 2011-12 La Liga title with a record points total.
Mourinho’s potential appointment would fit with Madrid’s recent history of reappointing former managers. Zidane returned for a second spell in 2019, while Ancelotti was brought back in 2021. Other recent appointments, including Rafael Benitez and Julen Lopetegui, have also had prior ties to the club.
However, the proposal to recall the Portuguese coach has divided opinion within the club. Mourinho’s previous spell was marked by tensions in the dressing room, most notably with former captain Iker Casillas, which caused friction with supporters and sections of the media.
Mourinho is currently in charge of Benfica and under contract until 2027, although his deal includes a break clause of around €3m that can be activated shortly after the season ends.
His candidacy also comes amid recent controversy. Earlier this season, Mourinho drew criticism after suggesting Vinicius Junior had incited an incident during a Champions League match against Benfica. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who denied allegations of racial abuse, was later handed a six-match ban by Uefa for homophobic conduct.
Alternative candidates have been discussed internally, including USA coach Mauricio Pochettino and France manager Didier Deschamps. Jurgen Klopp remains admired by the hierarchy, although he has repeatedly stated he is content in his current role as Red Bull’s global head of soccer.
