The main uncertainty surrounding Real Madrid heading into the new season is the identity of their next manager.
With the continuation of Alvaro Arbeloa already ruled out, one candidate has emerged above the rest: Jose Mourinho.
The renewed connection between the club and the coach stems from an approach initiated by the Portuguese tactician’s camp led by superagent Jorge Mendes.
Mourinho the most suitable candidate
Now, according to AS, Mourinho is now seen as the most suitable candidate to implement the changes required within the Real Madrid dressing room, which has shown signs of internal issues in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, SL Benfica are fully aware of the developments surrounding their current manager. The Portuguese club would prefer Mourinho to continue and lead the project he began in September, at least for another season.
However, attempts by club president Rui Costa, who secured his position partly on the strength of Mourinho’s return to Portuguese football, to extend the coach’s contract have so far been unsuccessful.
Mourinho set to replace Arbeloa? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Negotiations remain unresolved, and in Lisbon there is a growing belief that Mourinho’s future may lie elsewhere, a scenario that seemed unlikely only weeks ago.
While the Portuguese tactician has not publicly acknowledged direct contact with Real Madrid officials, those within Benfica perceive the situation differently.
Mourinho’s departure could be finalised through the activation of a €3 million release clause in his contract with the Portuguese giants.
In recent years, the relationship between Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Mourinho has been described as close and amicable. And the two could now reunite.
A former European champion with FC Porto and Inter Milan, Mourinho could soon be headed back to the Santiago Bernabeu, 13 years after he left the club following a three-year spell at the helm.
