Key Takeaways
- Florentino Perez wants Jose Mourinho to return to Real Madrid
- No official contact has been made with the Portuguese manager
- Mourinho is focusing on Benfica’s final league matches
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is leading the search for a new manager at the Bernabeu. He wants Jose Mourinho to make a return to the Spanish club. However, sources confirm that no official approach has been made to the Portuguese coach.
Perez and Mourinho remain close friends. The Real Madrid chief is eager to work with the 63-year-old again. Mourinho won the La Liga title with a record 100 points during his first spell at the club 14 years ago.
The Spanish giants need a permanent boss. Alvaro Arbeloa took charge in January as a temporary solution. He will step down at the end of the current season.
Mourinho currently manages Benfica in Portugal. He has not decided his future yet. The coach wants to finish the campaign with Benfica first. The Lisbon club stands on the brink of history. They need three more wins to complete an unbeaten league season. They can also secure second place in the Primeira Liga. This would guarantee Champions League football next term.
The Portuguese manager knows about the speculation linking him with Real Madrid. However, he prefers to concentrate on his targets at Benfica for now. His contract runs until 2027. There is a break clause that either side can trigger at the end of this season.
Other top clubs have also shown interest in Mourinho. The Portugal national team job is another option. Portugal will co-host the 2030 World Cup. Staying at Benfica remains possible too. The manager is in no hurry to make a final decision.