Real Madrid targets Jose Mourinho to replace Xabi Alonso: A gamble by Florentino Perez
Following the departure of Xabi Alonso, President Florentino Perez is considering bringing Jose Mourinho back to Bernabeu to rebuild the team after their defeat in the Spanish Super Cup.
Real Madrid is entering a turbulent transitional period on the coaching bench. The 2-3 defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup is seen as the final straw, accelerating the process of parting ways with Xabi Alonso by mutual agreement. This departure leaves a significant void at the Bernabeu at a time when the club lacks a clear long-term coaching plan.
In that context, Alvaro Arbeloa was promoted from the Castilla team to take on the role of interim coach. However, the Real Madrid management does not seem to intend to give Arbeloa the hot seat long-term. The club is looking for a coach with a more extensive track record and deeper international influence to lead a new era.
The plan to reunite Jose Mourinho
According to expert Alfredo Relaño on COPE radio, President Florentino Perez has identified his top priority: bringing Jose Mourinho back to Real Madrid. The Portuguese strategist is currently managing Benfica but is reportedly facing an uncertain future and could well leave the club in the near future.
Relaño commented: "Florentino's ultimate goal is to bring Mourinho back. He is the only coach Florentino is truly satisfied with in every aspect." If this scenario materializes, it would be a reunion of one of the most intense and transformative periods in Real Madrid's modern history.
Other potential candidates
Besides Jose Mourinho, several other prominent names such as Jürgen Klopp and Enzo Maresca have also been included in the discussion list. These are all proven and capable strategists, well-suited to managing a star-studded dressing room like the one at Madrid.
However, Perez's favoritism towards Mourinho suggests he is looking for someone capable of immediately re-establishing discipline and a fighting spirit. Mourinho's previous tenure not only yielded trophies but also laid the foundation for a sustainable club structure that lasted for many years afterward.
A challenge for Alvaro Arbeloa
Regarding Alvaro Arbeloa, the former defender admitted that Mourinho had a huge influence on his coaching philosophy. However, Arbeloa affirmed that he would try to create his own identity instead of becoming a copy of his former mentor. "Being coached by him was a privilege, but I will be Arbeloa. If I try to be Mourinho, I will fail," he shared.
While Arbeloa is working to stabilize the team for upcoming matches, Mourinho's name continues to cast a shadow over the flanks at the Bernabeu. For Real Madrid, every decision by Florentino Perez is a long-term strategic move, and the return of "The Special One" could be the missing piece the Royal team needs to overcome its current crisis.
