A clause in José Mourinho's contract means he can leave Benfica during the 10 days after the season ends, according to reports. The Portuguese manager has been linked with a sensational return to Real Madrid, where he previously coached from 2010 to 2013.
Mourinho's Potential Return to the Bernabéu
The idea that one day Mourinho might return to the Santiago Bernabéu had hung in the air, if not really as a serious possibility. Now, the impossible is probable. Mourinho last visited the Bernabéu in February for a Champions League playoff, but he watched from an iPad on the team bus rather than from the touchline, as he was suspended. This time, he is expected to be welcomed back as the club's saviour.
Contract Details and Timing
On Friday, Mourinho confirmed he has an offer of a contract extension from Benfica but has not yet reviewed it, stating he will wait until after Benfica's final game on Sunday. Real Madrid's season ends seven days later, and while no one admits it, there have been approaches from the Spanish club. A clause in Mourinho's contract allows him to leave Benfica during the 10 days after the season concludes. Florentino Pérez's unexpected call for elections could yet bring a surprise, but he is expected to be re-elected unopposed on 24 May, the day Madrid's season finishes.
A Long-Awaited Return
Before the Benfica tie, Mourinho said he had not set foot in the Bernabéu since departing in May 2013. With time, the bad moments have faded, leaving only the aura. He spoke warmly of Pérez, stating, "I gave everything to Madrid." However, his criticism of Vinícius Júnior's goal celebration after the first leg made a return seem less likely at the time. Yet, as Madrid's season has crumbled into crisis and the list of candidates has dwindled, Mourinho has emerged as the only man perceived to have the force of personality to fix the situation.
Pérez's Support and the Crisis at Madrid
Pérez has always liked the idea of Mourinho returning. After two years without a major trophy and with Barcelona dominant again, the need for a strong leader has never been greater. Pérez's extraordinary press conference on Tuesday, where he launched into an accusatory and conspiratorial rant, echoed Mourinho's own style. Deep down, they are alike, and the idea that always lingered appears to be taking shape 13 years on.
Mourinho's previous tenure at Madrid ended badly, with deep divisions among fans and players. Yet, he remains one of the few coaches to leave without being sacked. Now, with the club in crisis, his return seems inevitable.
