Jose Mourinho's stunning return to Real Madrid is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, with negotiations reportedly completed by the Spanish giants. The 63-year-old Portuguese coach is set to take charge of Benfica for the final time on Saturday night, as the Lisbon side aims to cap an unbeaten league season. However, Benfica heads into their last match of the campaign against Estoril in third place in the Primeira Liga table.
Agreement Reached Despite Denials
Despite Mourinho's pre-match claims that he has had no contact with Real Madrid, reports in both Spain and Portugal state that his return has been agreed. According to Marca, Mourinho had been competing with outgoing France boss Didier Deschamps and United States manager Mauricio Pochettino for the role. Mourinho was seen as the clear favourite, having been the preferred choice of president Florentino Perez. Real Madrid's dressing room disputes were viewed as improving his standing, with the veteran coach seen as the ideal candidate to restore order.
Mourinho will reportedly sign an initial two-year contract with Real Madrid, with an official announcement due in the coming days—perhaps after the Spanish giants' season concludes next weekend. The 63-year-old has claimed next week will be key for his future, as he denied contact with Real Madrid while confirming he had received a new contract offer from Benfica.
'I've spoken with president Rui Costa practically every day,' Mourinho said on Friday. 'But I've also said, because I have nothing to hide, and I think Benfica doesn't want to hide anything, that on Wednesday I received the official written offer from Benfica. They wanted to send it to me, and I said I didn't want anything right now. On Sunday, yes. With Real Madrid, I haven't had any contact. Not with the president, nor with any important person in the structure. Next week will be important for me, for my future, and also for Benfica. When the season ends, Benfica has to start thinking about the next one. According to the contract and the agreement I signed when I arrived, we have this window of a few days to see what happens and to make a decision.'
Compensation Clause and Arbeloa's Comments
Reports have claimed there is a clause in Mourinho's contract that allows Real Madrid to pay a compensation fee of around £2.6 million, which would be active within 10 days of Benfica's final game of the season. Under-fire Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa was pressed on the reports Mourinho will succeed him at his press conference on Saturday morning. 'The day the club makes a decision, they'll announce it when they deem it appropriate,' he said. 'I've always been clear with Jose, as a Real Madrid fan, I feel he's number one. I said the same thing in the Champions League. I thought it a month ago and I'll continue to think it. He'll always be "one of us." If he comes back, I'll be very happy to have him home.'
Mourinho's Previous Stint and Unfinished Business
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, leading the club to one LaLiga title, a Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His time at the club provided numerous hard-fought battles with rivals Barcelona, who were led by Pep Guardiola. Xabi Alonso was sacked after just eight months earlier this season, with Arbeloa then promoted from his role with Real Madrid's B-team. Mourinho's Benfica contract runs until the summer of 2027. As revealed by Daily Mail Sport, the 63-year-old believes he has unfinished business at Madrid, where he lost three consecutive Champions League semi-finals.
Dressing Room Discord
Mourinho would have to resolve a series of issues within the squad, after it emerged last week that midfielder Federico Valverde was taken to hospital following an altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni, the second row in two days between the pair. Alvaro Carreras and Antonio Rudiger were also reportedly involved in a physical altercation, impacting the mood around the club even further in a season that will end without a trophy. Kylian Mbappe caused further controversy on Thursday after claiming Arbeloa told him he is now Real Madrid's 'fourth choice' striker. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has dismissed claims the club has descended into chaos. The 71-year-old announced presidential elections in a rare press conference this week, after hitting out at perceived threats in the media, the standard of refereeing, and possible rivals who he told to come forward and challenge him.
