Reports about trainers
Mourinho comeback? Sensational return in conversation
April 28, 2026 – 8:18 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez is said to favor José Mourinho as his preferred candidate for the coaching position. However, a current contract stands in the way of a return – for now.
Star coach José Mourinho may be facing a surprising comeback on the bench of Spanish record champions Real Madrid. The Portuguese is said to be club president Florentino Pérez’s preferred candidate to succeed Álvaro Arbeloa. This is reported by “The Athletic”.
The Portuguese worked for Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 and won three titles. He is currently under contract with Benfica Lisbon until 2027. His contract is said to contain an exit clause of around three million euros.
Pérez is hoping that Mourinho’s return will give him a new start in sport. However, there is still supposed to be resistance within the club. Mourinho’s first term in office was marked by tensions – including with then captain Iker Casillas.
Álvaro Arbeloa only took over the position at Real Madrid in January after parting ways with Xabi Alonso, but is about to leave in anticipation of a season without a title. Several anonymous sources are said to report that Pérez is significantly driving the decision.
In addition to Mourinho, other candidates include French national coach Didier Deschamps and US national coach Mauricio Pochettino.
