"Vinicius, pack your bags now": Real Madrid return likely; Mourinho unveils new tactics centered on Mbappé and Rodri... Will a legendary Galáctico team be born?

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid rumors of José Mourinho (63), head coach of Benfica, returning to Real Madrid, his tactics and starting lineup have already drawn global attention from football fans.

The UK's "The Sun" reported on the 29th (Korean time) that "Mourinho, who is likely to return to Real Madrid, is planning to completely restructure his super squad, not only with his signature 4-2-3-1 formation but also with the radical 3-5-2 tactic."

According to the media, Mourinho's "Plan A" is the 4-2-3-1 formation, which he successfully utilized at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 based on strong defense and counterattacks.

The formation places Kylian Mbappé as the leading striker, with Vinícius Júnior and Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), a target for acquisition, deployed on the flanks to maximize destructive power. In midfield, Rodri (Manchester City) or Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), both linked with transfer rumors, will form a trio alongside Federico Valverde, while Jude Bellingham provides support ahead of them. The back four consists of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, and Álvaro Carreras, with Thibaut Courtois guarding the goal.

The 3-5-2 formation, which Mourinho used during his time at AS Roma and occasionally under Xabi Alonso's system this season, serves as "Plan B." Rüdiger, Huijsen, and David Alaba form a solid back three, with Alexander-Arnold and Carreras deployed as wing-backs on both flanks to transition between offense and defense. The midfield trio comprises Rodri, Valverde, and Bellingham, while Mbappé and Vinícius lead the attack as a striking duo.

However, the future of Vinícius, the core of the tactical system, remains the biggest variable. Mourinho previously engaged in a tense confrontation with Vinícius over his red card and racial discrimination controversy. The media analyzed, "If the past animosity between the two leads to tactical discord, Real Madrid might boldly sell Vinícius and sign a traditional striker like Victor Osimhen to build an entirely new attacking line."

Meanwhile, the UK's BBC, citing a column by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague on the 28th, reported that "Mourinho is emerging as the 'best wildcard' for Florentino Pérez, the Real Madrid president, who is seeking a successor."

The media noted that "understanding Pérez's philosophy is crucial in the process of appointing the next manager." It further explained, "President Pérez prefers a 'conductor'-type manager who can handle prideful star players and dominate the locker room over one focused solely on tactical identity."

It added, "José Ángel Sánchez, the club's second-in-command, emphasizes tactical organization, but the managers he supported—Rafael Benítez, Julen Lopetegui, and Alonso—all had short tenures. In contrast, President Pérez has historically favored 'aristocratic' managers like Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti."

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*This content was translated by AI.