Real Madrid Weighs José Mourinho Return Amid Squad Unrest

Real Madrid finished the 2023-24 season trophy-less, eliminated by Bayern in the Champions League quarter-finals and trailing Barcelona in La Liga. A fan petition with over 67 million signatures demanding Kylian Mbappé’s exit has added pressure on President Floriano Pérez. A Thursday training-ground clash between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde left Valverde with a traumatic brain injury (10-14 days rest) and both players were fined €500,000. Interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa, appointed after Xabi Alonso’s January sacking, has been criticised for not averting the incident. The squad also faces injuries to Ferland Mendy and pending contract expirations for Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal.

Jose Mourinho has already discussed three Real Madrid players with Florentino Perez

President Pérez says the club needs a “strong, authoritative figure capable of reconnecting the dressing room, supporters and wider institution.” Mourinho, still under contract with Benfica, has listed ten conditions: a minimum two-year contract, full control over recruitment and transfers, authority to revamp the medical department, exclusive communication with Pérez, and a ban on player influence over selection. The hierarchy is weighing these demands against the need for immediate discipline. Mourinho is the heavy favourite among candidates.

Real Madrid: Jose Mourinho holds Kylian Mbappe ‘conversations’ with Florentino Perez and makes 'demands'

Former Real Madrid star Luis Figo warned that a hard-handed coach may clash with the club’s culture, urging a manager who can handle 25 egos without authoritarian tactics. Portugal commentator Nuno Luz noted Mourinho has become older and calmer, suggesting a softer approach than in earlier tenures.

Luis Figo has a wise Jose Mourinho warning for Real Madrid

A Mourinho hire would centralise transfer decisions, reshape recruitment and address disciplinary issues. Greater control could affect injury handling and fines, while restored dressing-room hierarchy may influence Real Madrid’s ability to compete for titles next season.

Real Madrid: Mourinho discusses Mbappe, Valverde, Tchouameni with Florentino Perez and makes ‘request’

Sources disagree on why the Mbappé petition arose—some cite work-ethic concerns, others his Italy vacation. The exact ten-point demand list varies, and the timeline for a formal contract offer is unclear.

Jose Mourinho has already discussed three Real Madrid players with Florentino Perez

The board aims to decide on the head-coach before July pre-season. El Clásico next week will test squad cohesion. Activating Mourinho’s €3 million release clause and finalising his contract are expected soon.

ESPN

• “I often tell my players that it hurts when we see that all the other teams run more than us, and not just when we don't have the ball, but it's also something we have to focus on even when we do have possession.” — Álvaro Arbeloa, Interim Coach

ESPN

• “The years have gone by, he's older, calmer," he argued.” — Nuno Luz, Portugal’s SIC TV commentator

ESPN

• “If you didn't follow the soap opera closely the first time around, here's a little reminder of what the president felt about his coach: "I've always heard José say that he's been at many clubs, that he holds them all dear, but that Real Madrid is on another level.” — Floriano Pérez, President of Real Madrid

ESPN