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Arbeloa Urges Mourinho Return as Real Faces Coaching Shakeup

5/17/2026

32 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Arbeloa Wants Mourinho Return

Álvaro Arbeloa said he would be happy to see José Mourinho return as Real Madrid coach.
He noted Real Madrid is second in LaLiga with two games left: at Sevilla on Sunday and Athletic Bilbao on May 23.
He acknowledged turmoil—a player fight, a loss to Barcelona that gave the rival the title, and fan jeering of Kylian Mbappé.
President Florentino Pérez announced early elections and signaled a coaching change.

Summary

Mourinho Demands Defence

Mourinho told Florentino Pérez he will join Real Madrid only if the club strengthens its defence.
Real Madrid have conceded 33 goals in 36 league matches, one more than Barcelona.
Centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba may leave while Eder Militao remains long-term injured.
His Benfica contract includes a €3 million break clause exercisable within ten days after the season, before May 26.

Summary

Mourinho Signs

All terms of José Mourinho’s agreement with Real Madrid are settled, awaiting only the contract signature.
The contract is expected to run until June 2028, guaranteeing Mourinho at least two full seasons.
Fabrizio Romano said Mourinho gave full approval and voiced no doubts during the initial negotiations.
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid manager) was dismissed in January after the Spanish Super Cup defeat that contributed to the club’s trophy-less season.

History

Historical Context

After winning La Liga in 2003, president Florentino Pérez dismissed coach Vicente del Bosque, prompting the exits of captain Fernando Hierro and midfielder Claude Makélélé and exposing defensive frailties. The fallout led to a 0-3 loss to Barcelona and Pérez’s resignation on 27 February 2006. Today’s player fights and early election echo that 2003 crisis.

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Arbeloa Wants Mourinho Return

Álvaro Arbeloa said he would be happy to see José Mourinho return as Real Madrid coach.
He noted Real Madrid is second in LaLiga with two games left: at Sevilla on Sunday and Athletic Bilbao on May 23.
He acknowledged turmoil—a player fight, a loss to Barcelona that gave the rival the title, and fan jeering of Kylian Mbappé.
President Florentino Pérez announced early elections and signaled a coaching change.

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