Real Madrid have firmly ruled out the possibility of bringing Jose Mourinho back to the Bernabeu for a second spell as manager, despite recent speculation linking the Portuguese coach with a sensational return.
Real Madrid Make It Official: Mourinho Not Part of Summer Plans
Reports had suggested that Mourinho, who currently manages Portuguese side Benfica, could emerge as a candidate to take over in the Spanish capital.
The speculation intensified ahead of Benfica’s Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
However, the 62-year-old has already publicly denied the rumours, and club sources have now confirmed that the idea never had any traction within the Real Madrid hierarchy.
According to Diario AS, the club has never considered re-hiring Mourinho. Decision-makers at the Bernabeu do not view the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss as being of the required standard to lead the team forward.
His recent track record in management, which includes mixed spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Roma, has done little to convince the board that he is the right man to usher in a new era.
The decision clarifies the club’s stance as they prepare for a significant summer. Current boss Alvaro Arbeloa is only contracted until the end of the season.
While his domestic record remains respectable, the board lacks sufficient evidence that he has significantly improved the squad since taking over from Xabi Alonso earlier in the campaign.
Alonso’s departure in January forced the club to alter their long-term plans.
As a result, Real Madrid are expected to seek a new leader for the 2026-27 season.
Jurgen Klopp remains the club’s leading candidate, although the German has given no indication that he is ready to return to management. Should Klopp remain unavailable, the club could turn to other options.
Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann are both expected to be available following the 2026 World Cup.
While those names are not yet under formal discussion in the Real Madrid offices, sources indicate that the situation could change rapidly in the coming months as the club evaluates the market.
