Florentino Pérez’s Plan Leaked: He Wants José Mourinho Back
Xabi Alonso’s departure has triggered unexpected movement behind the scenes at Real Madrid. And one familiar name is quietly resurfacing at the Bernabéu.
Xabi Alonso’s Exit Sparks a Chain Reaction
Just days after Xabi Alonso left Real Madrid, the club is already mapping out its next move on the bench. The 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup proved decisive, accelerating a mutually agreed separation and leaving the club without a long-term managerial project.
As an interim solution, Álvaro Arbeloa stepped up from Castilla, but internally there is little intention of handing him the role on a permanent basis.
Arbeloa: A Temporary Fix
Within the club, the search is focused on a coach with greater pedigree and international stature. Names such as Jürgen Klopp and Enzo Maresca have been discussed—profiles seen as capable of leading a new cycle at the Bernabéu.
Yet beyond those options, a far more striking idea is reportedly taking shape at boardroom level.
Florentino’s Ultimate Idea
According to Alfredo Relaño, speaking on COPE, Florentino Pérez has a clear endgame in mind: bringing José Mourinho back to Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach, currently at Benfica, is said to be navigating a turbulent situation that could soon lead to his departure.
“His ultimate goal is to bring Mourinho back,” Relaño explained. “He’s the only coach Florentino was truly satisfied with. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he returns.”
A Chapter That Never Truly Closed
A potential Mourinho comeback would reopen one of the most intense and defining eras in modern Real Madrid history. Beyond trophies, his spell left a lasting imprint on the club—and on several figures who remain closely linked to it.
One of them is Álvaro Arbeloa, who was quick to draw a line between admiration and imitation.
“It was a privilege to be coached by him, and he had a huge influence on me,” Arbeloa said. “But I’m going to be Arbeloa. If I tried to be Mourinho, I’d fail.”
An Uncertain Future, a Familiar Name
As Arbeloa focuses on the present and the club weighs its options, the name José Mourinho is once again echoing around the Bernabéu corridors. Nothing is official, but the narrative is gaining momentum.
At Real Madrid, when Florentino Pérez starts thinking ahead, it’s rarely by accident. And this time, the future may involve a return to the past.
