Jose Mourinho in Talks to Return as Real Madrid Head Coach
The 63-year-old Portuguese coach is the only candidate Real Madrid are currently talking to as they prepare to replace Alvaro Arbeloa. Mourinho returns 13 years after his first spell at the Bernabeu, where he previously won three major trophies. Benfica's final match of the season against Estoril Praia on Saturday will mark the end of his current contract.
BBC NewsJose Mourinho is in final negotiations to become Real Madrid's next head coach, 13 years after his first spell at the Bernabeu. The 63-year-old is the clear favourite and currently the only candidate Real Madrid are in talks with over the role. He would replace current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who only took charge in January following Xabi Alonso's departure.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez first considered the possibility of Mourinho's return two days after Xabi Alonso left the club, during initial conversations with the Portuguese coach's representatives. Mourinho has been manager of Benfica, in his native Portugal, since joining on a two-year contract last September.
Only yesterday he told media he did not want to talk about his future just yet.
"There's a match against Estoril, and from Monday onwards I'll be able to answer questions about my future as a coach and Benfica's future," he said. Saturday's game against Estoril Praia is Benfica's last of the season. Mourinho was in charge at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
During that period he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. His first spell at Real Madrid was 13 years before the current negotiations.
Florentino Perez held those initial conversations with Jose Mourinho's representatives shortly after that change. BBC News reported that Mourinho's Benfica are currently third in the Primeira Liga table. The coach's comments came as his side prepared for the final match of the domestic campaign.
From Monday, with the season concluded, he indicated he would address both his own future and that of Benfica.
