Search for a Coach at Real Madrid: Mourinho is Florentino Perez's Preferred Candidate

Jose Mourinho has emerged as the leading candidate to become Real Madrid’s next head coach.

Club president Florentino Perez is reported to be in favor of appointing the Portuguese manager as a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa, who is expected to leave his role at the end of the season.

Arbeloa was appointed in January following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, but his tenure is not expected to continue beyond the current campaign.

Sources indicate that the decision regarding the next head coach is being driven directly by Perez.

Mourinho returns to the agenda

Perez is reportedly planning a restructuring process at the club, with Mourinho identified as the primary candidate for the role.

Real Madrid are set to finish a second consecutive season without winning a major trophy such as La Liga, the Champions League, or the Copa del Rey.

Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, a period during which the club won La Liga in the 2011–12 season while setting a record points total.

Differing views within the club

Despite Mourinho being the preferred option for the president, there are differing opinions within the club regarding his potential return.

During his previous spell, Mourinho’s time at the club included reported tensions within the dressing room, particularly involving former captain Iker Casillas.

Contract situation

Mourinho is currently the head coach of Benfica and remains under contract until June 2027.

However, his deal includes a clause allowing either party to terminate the agreement within 10 days of the season’s final match for a fee of approximately €3 million.

Alternative candidates

Real Madrid are also understood to have considered several other managerial options.

Names mentioned internally include:

• Mauricio Pochettino

• Didier Deschamps

• Jurgen Klopp

The club has, in recent years, shown a tendency to appoint coaches with previous ties to Real Madrid.

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