Jose Mourinho, the self-proclaimed “Special One,” is reportedly closing in on a sensational return to Real Madrid, 13 years after his first stint at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 63-year-old Benfica boss is being tipped to take over the helm of the Spanish giants, who have endured two consecutive trophyless seasons.
According to reports from the UK’s BBC, Real Madrid are in final negotiations with Mourinho. If confirmed, it would mark his comeback to the Bernabeu for the first time since his spell from 2010 to 2013.
Real Madrid’s recent struggles have been glaring. They watched bitter rivals Barcelona celebrate an early La Liga title after losing the latest El Clasico. Additionally, they were eliminated from both the UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey, leaving them empty-handed this season, just like last year.
The club had appointed Xabi Alonso as manager ahead of the season but failed to fully trust him. In January, they handed the reins to Alvaro Arbeloa, but results fell short of expectations. Internal tensions have also surfaced, with reported altercations between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni in the dressing room.
Now, club president Florentino Perez appears ready to entrust Mourinho with the task of rebuilding the squad. Mourinho had been a long-considered candidate since Alonso’s dismissal.
During his previous tenure at Real Madrid, Mourinho won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He later returned to Chelsea, winning league and cup titles, and also managed Manchester United, Tottenham, and AS Roma, claiming the Europa League trophy along the way. After a stint with Fenerbahce in Turkey, he took charge of his hometown club Benfica in September last year.
