Jose Mourinho is Florentino Perez’s top choice to take over as Real Madrid manager next season, according to reports. The Portuguese coach, currently at Benfica, could return to the Bernabeu 13 years after his first stint ended.
Real Madrid are expected to seek a new manager this summer after Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, has struggled. Arbeloa has won only 14 of his 23 matches in charge, with the club facing a rare trophyless season.
Club president Perez is leading the appointment process, but may face internal opposition due to Mourinho’s controversial comments regarding Vinicius Jr’s racism allegations. Mourinho sided with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, accusing Vinicius of provocation.
Alternative candidates include Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, and Didier Deschamps, who will leave the France job after the World Cup. Klopp has denied links to Real Madrid.
Mourinho, 63, is under contract with Benfica until 2027 but has a clause allowing him to leave at the end of the season. Benfica are unbeaten under Mourinho but trail Porto by seven points in the league.
