Alvaro Arbeloa is unlikely to remain the Real Madrid manager when the 2026–27 season kicks off, and the club management already has a few names in mind, a new report says. Mauricio Pochettino remains the favourite for club president Florentino Pérez, while it is also being analysed whether Jurgen Klopp can be roped in, the report added.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has also let his intentions to make a comeback to the Spanish capital be known. The Benfica manager is open to the challenge if the Real Madrid hierarchy will have him, Fabrizio Romano said. The club knows of his desire, but it is unknown if he has been added to the shortlist of potential replacements for Arbeloa.
“Real Madrid are already aware of Jose Mourinho’s desire to return. He has made it clear to those close to him that he would like a second chance at the club. Real Madrid will soon decide who their next manager will be,” Fabrizio Romano said.
Can Mourinho join Real Madrid?
Jose Mourinho is currently managing Benfica in his native Portugal. The side is currently second—seven points behind leaders Porto with three rounds left to play. Third-placed Sporting are three points behind but have a game in hand.
According to reports, it is possible for the "Special One" to make an exit from Lisbon despite his contractual obligations. There is a legal loophole in his contract that can be exploited if Real Madrid gives him the green light.
There is a specific break clause in the former Chelsea manager's Benfica contract that will let him depart without a fee if a deal is completed within a strict timeframe. This clause expires roughly 10 days after Benfica play their final match of the current campaign around mid-May, the reports said. Since Real know of Mourinho's desire to make a return, they will act accordingly.
José Mourinho’s spell at Real Madrid (2010–2013) happened when Pep Guardiola's 'Tiki-Taka' football was thriving at Barcelona. He won the 2011–12 La Liga title and defeated prime Barça in the 2010–11 Copa del Rey summit clash, which was a major morale-boosting win for Los Blancos.
However, having impressed Pérez gives Mauricio Pochettino an edge, although no reports have named him as the frontrunner yet. Klopp's availability is rather unknown—further extending the life of the guessing game. However, compared to Pochettino, Mourinho is more experienced when it comes to the pressure and expectations in the Spanish capital. He is better equipped to deal with "super egos" in the dressing room and address the media pressure—particularly during a campaign that follows two trophyless seasons.