What seemed impossible may be happening. Often cited regarding a possible return to Real Madrid, will José Mourinho really succeed the much criticized Alvaro Arbeloa? According to the latest echoes from Avenida Concha Espina, Florentino Pérez wants to lead the file of the future coach of Casa Casa and the boss of the Merengues would have two favorites: Jürgen Klopp and José Mourinho. Except that the German would ultimately not be that hot, while the Special One would only be waiting for the fire from his friend Pérez. Coach renowned for his character, the Lusitanian would be considered the ideal solution to reframe the Madrid divas.
On the eve of the trip to Famalicão, José Mourinho preferred to kick into touch at a time when rumors assured that contacts had been established between Pérez and the man who coached Real Madird from 2010 to 2013. “No, no one from Real Madrid has contacted me, I can assure you. I’ve been in football too long, just like you in journalism, and we’re used to this kind of thing, but nothing coming from Real Madrid. (…) Nothing. I can’t reveal anything. I have already told your colleague that regarding Real Madrid, nothing to report, and regarding Benfica, you already know the situation. I still have one year of contract with Benfica, and that’s it..
Mourinho no longer scares
A denial which has not calmed the rumors, far from it. Unsurprisingly, the announcement of Mourinho’s potential comeback in the Spanish capital also caused a reaction in Catalonia. And the least we can say is that this information does not really give the Catalans goosebumps. At a time when FC Barcelona is on track to win the 29th Liga in its history, many consider that the Merengue rival would take a big step backwards by recalling the Portuguese. “If Real Madrid recruits Mourinho, it will be another victory for Flick’s Barça. Another consequence of the domination he exercised over the national territory and the way he surpassed it. That in 2026, faced with the superiority of Flick’s Barça, we plan to return to Mourinho…”declared the journalist specializing in Barça, Lluis Flaquer, at the microphone of the Cadena SER.
“Mourinho clearly made a mistake in his choice of projects and he could well do the same by joining Real Madrid. Tottenham, United, Rome… It’s been eleven years since he won a championship. It’s true that he has won European titles and that he remains a very good coach, but I don’t see him doing it.”added Bruno Alemany, another journalist from the SER based in Barcelona. For its part, the Vanguardia goes so far as to assert that, to put an end to the domination of Flick and his young shoots, Pérez will recall a coach who did not experience great success when he was on the bench at Casa Blanca.
“Please come back!”
“His name resurfaces as a candidate to take the reins of the Bernabéu bench next season. Although it is more a wish of part of the Madrid faithful than the main objective of the club’s management, it is curious to note that, far from appearing anachronistic, they cling to Mou, aged 63, as a card for the future to counter the young Barça of Flick and Lamine Yamal. Was his time on the white bench such a resounding success that it is remembered so vividly? No way. In three seasons, he won three titles: the Copa del Rey (2010-2011), La Liga (2011-2012) and the 2012 Super Cup. In the Champions League, he always stopped in the semi-final. His subsequent experiences were also not newsworthy. Quite the contrary. He won two titles with Chelsea (the Premier League and the Carabao Cup), three with Manchester United (the Community Shield, the Carabao Cup and the Europa League), none with Tottenham and one with AS Roma (the 2021-2022 Conference League). Nothing since. He did not triumph at Fenerbahçe or Benfica. »
Finally, the Catalan information site Cronica Global even goes so far as to ask the Special One to return to Madrid. “Please come back!” (…) Mourinho is no longer the coach who inspired respect in his locker room, among his opponents and among supporters around the world. He has been away from the highest level for years and his last great success dates back to a Conference League won with Roma in 2022. (…) His character remains intact, but his coaching profile is already arousing more skepticism. Real Madrid needs an electric shock, of course, but not an earthquake. (…) From Barça’s point of view, it would be a return as exciting as it was perilous: Mourinho would wear out Madrid, but would also put a strain on the club’s daily life. If Florentino is actually considering this option, it’s because desperation trumps planning. And putting out a fire with gasoline is never a good idea. Hansi Flick’s Barça has already done a lot of damage to the capital. » If he is appointed by Florentino Pérez, will José Mourinho make the Catalans lie?
