Real Madrid turn to more than willing Jose Mourinho for summer comeback: report

Jose Mourinho holding his ear to infuriated opposition fans.
Jose Mourinho is more than willing to return to Real Madrid, should the opportunity present itself. (Image credit: PA)

Jose Mourinho is one of the top candidates being considered to lead the Real Madrid project this summer.

Real Madrid exited the Champions League on Wednesday evening in a 6-4 loss on aggregate to Bayern Munich, securing a second successive trophyless season.

Jose Mourinho may make a shock Real Madrid comeback

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates with Alvaro Arbeloa the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid v AS Monaco.

Alvaro Arbeloa's job is in danger after overseeing a 6-4 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Spanish giants moved on from manager Xabi Alonso, who has recently been tipped as the likely candidate to replace Arne Slot next season at Liverpool, in January, with the Spaniard's post being taken over by fellow countryman Alvaro Arbeloa.

Both head coaches managed Real Madrid to second-placed La Liga table positions, with Arbeloa’s job now in serious danger after a disappointing Champions League exit.

Xabi Alonso as head coach of Real Madrid talking to Jude Bellingham.

Xabi Alonso departed from Real Madrid in January, after rumours that he was unable to control the many egos within his squad. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Much has been made of Real Madrid managers throughout history requiring extraordinary patience and strength to deal with the many clashing egos that the club has seen across the years.

According to a report from Fichajes, Jose Mourinho’s name stands out amongst those tipped to take over at Real Madrid in the summer, with Arbeloa's departure considered to be a foregone conclusion.

Alluring factors include Mourinho’s tactical discipline, the presence of nostalgia and his ability to shield the Real Madrid players from external criticism.

After conceding six goals to reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, it is believed that Mourinho would restore defensive order at the club and regain the infamous edge that has seen them prevail on the biggest Champions League nights.

The 63-year-old is currently the head coach of Benfica, meaning formal negotiations would have to take place between both clubs if Mourinho is to join the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho gestures during the 2011 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.

Jose Mourinho led Real Madrid to great success, and fell only to the most infamous ego in football history, Cristiano Ronaldo. (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho would be extremely open to a Real Madrid return if the opportunity were to present itself.

The Portuguese coach knows well what is required of him if a shock comeback to the Santiago Bernabeu materialises, having managed the club between the years of 2010 and 2013.

Notably, Mourinho led Real Madrid to a record-breaking La Liga title win in the 2011-12 season, including the most games won in a season with 32, and the most away wins in a season with 16.

Kedar Bayley
Freelance Writer

Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.

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