Real Madrid 'comes full circle' back to Mourinho: "Tactics are set, need a 'boss' to control the locker room"... The reason for choosing the 'Special One' over Klopp

*This content was translated by AI.

Real Madrid is seeking Jose Mourinho (63), the Benfica manager, as the 'Special One'.

On the 28th (local time), the UK's BBC, citing a column by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, reported that "Mourinho has emerged as the 'ultimate wildcard' for Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president, who is searching for a successor."

Real Madrid's current situation is extremely bleak. Sitting in second place, nine points behind league leaders Barcelona (85 points), they have fallen out of the title race. In the UEFA Champions League (UCL), they were eliminated in the quarterfinals after facing Bayern Munich.

Alvaro Arbelova, who took charge in January following Xabi Alonso, managed only a 64% win rate in the league, far below his predecessor Alonso's 74%. His position was further weakened by a shocking defeat to second-division team Albacete in the Copa del Rey (Spanish King's Cup) just two days after his appointment.

The BBC noted that "understanding President Perez's philosophy is crucial in the process of appointing the next manager." It further explained that "President Perez prefers a 'conductor'-type manager who can handle proud star players and control the locker room, rather than one focused solely on tactical identity."

It added, "While club vice-president Jose Angel Sanchez emphasizes tactical organization, those he supported—Rafael Benitez, Julen Lopetegui, and Alonso—all had short tenures. In contrast, President Perez has historically favored 'aristocratic' managers like Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti."

In this context, Mourinho, who led the team from 2010 to 2013 and won the league and Copa del Rey, has emerged as a strong candidate. Although Mourinho is under contract with Benfica until 2027, he is reportedly eager to return to Madrid.

In particular, his combative behavior during the recent UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash involving the 'Gianluca Prestigiacomo incident' reportedly won the favor of President Perez and the club's leadership. However, an insider stated that Mourinho is being considered as a contingency card should other top candidates fail to be appointed.

Aside from Mourinho, the most frequently mentioned candidate is Mauricio Pochettino. The media explained that "while he currently manages the US national team for the North American World Cup, making his availability uncertain, he maintains close ties with Real Madrid's leadership and has received high praise for his leadership at major clubs. Pochettino himself has long dreamed of becoming Real Madrid's manager."

Didier Deschamps, the France national team manager, is also being considered. The media reported that "his contract expires after the World Cup, and he excels at calmly managing strong-willed players. He also has strong bonds with French players at Real Madrid, including Kylian Mbappe."

Additionally, Massimiliano Allegri of AC Milan, who shares a similar style to Ancelotti, is being seriously considered. Some observers have even speculated that 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric, who left for Milan last summer, could return to the Bernabeu alongside Allegri.

On the other hand, while Jurgen Klopp's name has been mentioned, his chances of appointment appear low. The media stated that "his interventionist tendency to impose his own firm tactical philosophy on the club and reconstruct the team in his own image is precisely what President Perez finds most unappealing."

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*This content was translated by AI.