Mourinho's return: from impossible to necessary

José Mourinho arrived at Benfica last September, and now he is preparing to write what could be his final chapter with the Lisbon club on the sidelines. Waiting on the other side is Real Madrid. For the second time in his career, the Portuguese manager and the Spanish giants are on course to reunite.

Everything has been verbally agreed, though the deal is still pending signatures. AS has tracked the gradual steps both sides have taken, including Benfica’s frustration and eventual resignation as a third party in the situation, before reaching what now looks like full alignment between all involved.

Real Madrid turns back to a familiar solution

Florentino Pérez is once again turning to a known figure to solve a difficult sporting moment. He previously did so with Zinedine Zidane, and later repeated the move with Carlo Ancelotti, doubling down on a proven formula that brought success before.

A third Zidane spell was even considered at one point, but his commitment to the French national team made it impossible.

Now, barring any unexpected twists, Mourinho and Real Madrid are expected to reunite on a contract running through June 2028.

When will Real Madrid confirm Mourinho’s return?

The timing is delicate but structured. Real Madrid’s ongoing election process is not seen as an obstacle to decision-making, but the sequence appears clear: Mourinho must first say goodbye to Benfica.

After that, the club is expected to wait until Saturday, May 23, when the deadline closes for presidential candidates to submit bids, followed by a two-day window for appeals. Only then would Madrid formally announce Mourinho’s return.

Mendes opens the door again

The process began with agent Jorge Mendes offering Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid leadership, as previously reported by AS. That approach came in late March.

After an initial internal discussion with the agent, the idea was set aside. However, the relationship between Mendes and Real Madrid has since normalized, which proved decisive in reopening the door to a comeback.

Pressure builds as Madrid evaluates options

The three Champions League meetings between the two sides were intense and draining, further complicated by the controversial Pestrianni case. Meanwhile, Madrid executives continued reviewing multiple coaching options.

The decision not to continue with Arbeloa had already been made. Throughout April, various alternatives were considered. What had seemed unrealistic in March became increasingly necessary by May.

As results fluctuated and unrest grew within the squad, along with a tense atmosphere among supporters, Madrid leadership concluded in early May that Mourinho’s return was the strongest option. Pérez ultimately backed the move after hearing internal voices but making the final call himself.

Mbappé reaction noted as talks continue

While Mourinho has publicly denied any contact, discussions have reportedly been ongoing for the past three weeks. He is understood to be fully aware of developments inside Valdebebas, including concerns about dressing room disorder.

One detail that has reportedly stood out to him is Kylian Mbappé’s recent attitude, which has not gone unnoticed within the club.

Benfica contract situation adds complexity

Mourinho has handled his current situation carefully, particularly given that Benfica has pushed twice to extend his contract, which currently runs until June 2027.

However, Real Madrid’s emergence, combined with the team’s recent dip in form, has shifted the landscape completely. It is now enough to potentially bring Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabéu dugout for a second spell.

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