Story perspectives

Pérez Backs Mourinho to Replace Arbeloa at Real

4/28/2026

Summary

Pérez Picks Mourinho

President Florentino Pérez prefers José Mourinho to replace Álvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid coach.
Arbeloa, hired in January after Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, will leave at season’s end.
Pérez now heads the search, unlike last summer’s Alonso hire overseen by general manager (GM) José Ángel Sánchez.
Mourinho, Benfica manager until June 2027, won three Real Madrid trophies (2010-2013) and set a 2011-12 La Liga points record.

Summary

Mourinho Rehired

The club president’s unilateral move to rehire José Mourinho bypassed the sporting director.
Senior staff have voiced reservations about Mourinho’s mixed legacy.
Former players and coaches fear Mourinho’s demanding style could disrupt squad harmony.
Critics note two straight seasons without trophies and recent under-performance as evidence of deeper structural problems.
The internal dissent fuels a debate on whether a marquee coach alone can restore Real Madrid’s competitiveness.

Summary

Mourinho Eyes Portugal

José Mourinho has kept Benfica unbeaten since his September start, putting the club atop the table while his departure could jeopardise title chase.
José Mourinho said Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior provoked the incident that led to Gianluca Prestianni alleging racial abuse.
José Mourinho is linked to the Portugal national-team job after the 2026 World Cup, with Real Madrid’s shortlist including Mauricio Pochettino and Jürgen Klopp, Red Bull’s head of soccer.

History

Historical Context

Florentino Pérez appointed José Mourinho as Real Madrid manager on 31 May 2010, giving the president direct control over coaching. Mourinho’s side then set a La Liga record with 100 points in 2011-12, finishing 15 points ahead of Barcelona. Pérez’s current push to re-hire Mourinho, bypassing usual club structures, echoes that 2010 power shift and its lingering governance tensions.

1 of 4

Pérez Picks Mourinho

President Florentino Pérez prefers José Mourinho to replace Álvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid coach.
Arbeloa, hired in January after Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, will leave at season’s end.
Pérez now heads the search, unlike last summer’s Alonso hire overseen by general manager (GM) José Ángel Sánchez.
Mourinho, Benfica manager until June 2027, won three Real Madrid trophies (2010-2013) and set a 2011-12 La Liga points record.

1 / 4