Jose Mourinho has officially confirmed rumors linking Real Madrid with a potential return to the managerial position at the Santiago Bernabéu.
«We can’t hide the interest. Something is happening, but not directly with me. I need time to make a decision. I believe this week will be very important,» stated ‘The Special One’ during the press conference following Benfica’s final league match against GD Estoril Praia, which ended in a 3-1 victory.
Despite these statements, there has reportedly been no official offer from the Madrid club, nor have initial discussions taken place. However, according to Mourinho’s own words, new developments could emerge next week, and a prompt decision is not ruled out.
The 63-year-old is considered the top favorite to take over as the new head coach of Real Madrid. The current coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, is unlikely to continue beyond the summer due to the team’s inconsistent performances.
Recent reports suggested that Mourinho’s move to Los Blancos was already a done deal, but no official confirmation has been provided by either party. The possibility of the Portuguese coach returning to his former club had been hinted at in recent days. ‘The Special One’ has a release clause of three million euros in his contract with Benfica, which runs until 2027.
Besides Mourinho, other candidates previously linked with the Real Madrid coaching position included France’s outgoing national coach Didier Deschamps and Sebastian Hoeneß from VfB Stuttgart.
Mourinho Previously Managed Real Madrid
Mourinho is reportedly seen as the ideal candidate to unite the currently fractured Real Madrid squad with his stern management style. The club is set to conclude another season without a major trophy, a repeat of the previous campaign. In recent weeks and months, the players have been involved in several disciplinary incidents, culminating in the regrettable altercation between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, leading them to one league title and one Copa del Rey triumph. More recently, Sky Sport reported that the 63-year-old has two key demands for his potential comeback: «full control» and «significant input in transfer decisions» before agreeing to a new tenure.
English Translation:
Jose Mourinho has officially confirmed speculation about Real Madrid’s interest in a return to the helm of the «Royals.»
«We can’t hide the interest. Something is going on, but not directly with me. I need time to make a decision. I believe this week will be very important,» explained ‘The Special One’ at the press conference after Benfica’s final league game against GD Estoril Praia (3:1).
Nevertheless, there has reportedly been no official offer from the Madrid club, nor have initial talks taken place. According to Mourinho’s statements, however, fresh wind could enter the situation next week. A swift decision is not out of the question.
The 63-year-old is considered the top favorite for the position of new head coach at Real Madrid, where the current coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, is unlikely to continue beyond the summer after mediocre performances.
It was recently reported that Mourinho’s move to the «Royals» was already a done deal, but there has been no official confirmation from either side. The return of the Portuguese to his old stomping ground had already been hinted at in recent days. ‘The Special One’ has a release clause of three million euros in his contract with Benfica, which runs until 2027.
Besides Mourinho, France’s outgoing national coach Didier Deschamps and Sebastian Hoeneß from VfB Stuttgart were among those previously considered.
Mourinho Previously Sat on Real Madrid’s Bench
Mourinho is expected to unite Real’s «fractured star ensemble» with his firm hand, as the team will now finish a season without a major title for the second consecutive time. In recent weeks and months, the players have committed several «disciplinary outbursts,» which found their ignominious peak in the significant altercation between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
Mourinho previously sat on the Madrid club’s bench from 2010 to 2013, winning the league title once and the cup once. Most recently, Sky Sport reported that the 63-year-old is said to have two demands for his comeback. The discussions with those in charge were reportedly about «full control» and «significant say in transfers» before he would agree to a renewed commitment.