Jose Mourinho ‘increasingly likely’ to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid boss
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Jose Mourinho is reportedly close to a return to Real Madrid as head coach this summer. Image Credits: Imago ImagesReal Madrid have endured a turbulent campaign on and off the pitch, with president Florentino Perez reportedly keen on appointing Jose Mourinho to restore order ahead of next season.Current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has struggled since replacing Xabi Alonso earlier this year, and his departure at the end of the season appears increasingly likely.
Like Alonso, Arbeloa has faced issues maintaining control of the dressing room, highlighted by reported tensions between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni.Madrid are set to finish a second successive season without major silverware, and Mourinho is seen as a figure capable of commanding authority given his experience at the highest level.According to Sky Sports, Mourinho is increasingly likely to become the next Real Madrid boss. While the Portuguese has publicly denied direct talks while Benfica remain in competition, discussions are understood to be progressing behind the scenes.Florentino Perez has remained a long-time admirer of Mourinho since his first spell at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, with the pair maintaining a close relationship.Mourinho, however, insists he is focused on finishing the season strongly with Benfica, who are battling Sporting for second place and automatic UEFA Champions League qualification.Ahead of their game against Braga on Monday night, he said: “There’s one thing I’d like to emphasise, which is that – in the world of football – it’s not the professionals who are interested in going or not going.“I think that when things start up, and I’m not referring to any specific case, I’m referring in general, when it happens with players, coaches, with professional managers, it’s the clubs that are interested and it’s the initiator.“I continue not to talk about Real Madrid, I continue to avoid it, but I avoid it with all honesty.
I’m not sure, but all the stories that have come out, demands, meetings, you know, that’s all speculation.”Benfica, who are reportedly considering Marco Silva as a potential successor if Jose Mourinho departs, currently sit second in the Primeira Liga with two games remaining. Alvaro Arbeloa Jose Mourinho Real Madrid