Real Madrid has been digging its own grave, and yesterday’s defeat in the Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou sealed a second consecutive trophy-less season. It has been a year to forget for the white-clad side, marked by constant crisis both on and off the pitch, with mounting tension that finally exploded last week following Tchouaméni’s shocking aggression toward Valverde and Mbappé’s disappearance.
2026 started tumultuously with the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, who was supposed to be the architect of the new project, only to be replaced by Arbeloa. His arrival has only worsened results, deepening the crisis to its current critical point. After yesterday’s historic loss, which effectively ends the season, the club is already looking toward rebuilding for the next campaign. And it all starts with the coach’s position, where a familiar face from the Bernabéu has been gaining momentum for weeks.
José Mourinho, who previously managed Madrid from 2010 to 2013, has become the frontrunner to restore order. Initial contacts have reportedly taken place, pending final approval from Florentino Pérez. Speculation continues to mount, and after the match, journalist Siro López dropped a bombshell on Cadena COPE’s “El Tertulión de Tiempo de Juego,” stating: “When the season ends, Mourinho’s signing for Real Madrid will be announced.”
López was unequivocal, acknowledging that Mourinho “doesn’t lie when he says he hasn’t discussed his potential hiring with the president,” but that representatives of the Portuguese coach—such as Jorge Mendes—have spoken with the club. According to the journalist, “the only thing missing is Mourinho’s call for them to sign the contract.”
Mourinho’s arrival is in Florentino’s hands.
**Hierarchy to Restore Order**
The main appeal of bringing back ‘Mou’ is to settle one of the controversies that has fueled chaos at Madrid this season: respect for the coach’s authority. Much has been said about Xabi Alonso failing to connect with key players like Vinicius, Bellingham, or Valverde, which ultimately led to his departure. His successor, Arbeloa, has faced the same issue, with cases like Carvajal, Asencio, and Ceballos turning the dressing room into a powder keg.
Mourinho, given his past at the club, his track record, and his authority, would put an end to these conflicts. “Mourinho has to come because the players will respect him, because he knows he has the president’s backing,” argued Siro López, defending that the current Benfica manager should be the one to steer the club away from its drift.
The Benfica coach will have ten days at the end of the season to decide his future. As previously reported, his contract with the Portuguese side includes a special release clause, almost tailor-made to facilitate his exit if he receives a call from Florentino Pérez or his national team. Time will tell, but right now Mourinho’s return appears the most likely path to revive a wounded and sinking Madrid.
