Why Real Madrids Reunion…

If José Mourinho could trademark his name, he would likely earn enough from the rampant speculation surrounding his potential return to Real Madrid to rival the payouts he received after various sacking since leaving Los Blancos in 2013.

The discourse about Mourinho’s potential return has become so prevalent across television, radio, newspapers, and social media—even extending into Madrid’s boardroom—that it has overshadowed the impending third Clásico of the season, set to take place at Camp Nou this Sunday (LIVE at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+).

Above all, it was Mourinho’s complex relationship with El Clásico, where fierce rivals Barcelona and Madrid clash, that transformed his notoriety into a legendary status.

The 5-0 thrashing by Pep Guardiola’s formidable team early in Mourinho’s tenure—coinciding with the arrival of a star-studded lineup including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, and Marcelo—was overshadowed by his ability to recover and lead a victory against Barcelona in the 2011 Copa del Rey final. His tenure was marked by controversial referee criticisms, numerous red cards, and an intense media battle against Guardiola.

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Whether Mourinho will be in attendance for this Clásico remains uncertain, as his Benfica match against Braga has yet to have its date or kick-off time confirmed.

However, certain aspects are abundantly clear.

Firstly, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and Mourinho have maintained a bond of friendship and respect, a sense of “unfinished business” lingering since their split 13 years ago.

Secondly, the managerial landscape at Madrid has dramatically changed since Mourinho’s departure, becoming significantly more complex and intimidating than when he left to join Inter Milan as a Treble-winner in 2010.

Thirdly, Mourinho has garnered both devoted followers and detractors since leaving for Chelsea, achieving one La Liga title, two Copas, and a Supercopa. Notably, he has more “haters” now.

Finally, both Mourinho (via agent Jorge Mendes) and Pérez have subtly orchestrated his name’s presence in the media over recent weeks. This has not been a headline-grabbing scoop from an intrepid reporter; rather, it has functioned as a method of gauging the sentiment among Madridistas.

Alvaro Arbeloa, acting as Madrid’s interim coach, appears to be aware of the precariousness of his situation and is openly addressing the pressing concerns of player attitude and behavior.

His candid remarks post-match following his team’s efforts to thwart Barcelona from winning the championship spoke volumes.

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Considering the sudden shift in player dynamics, including the elevation of Álvaro Carreras to third-choice left back and the sidelined Kylian Mbappé seen enjoying leisure time in Italy, Arbeloa remarked: “I often tell my players that it hurts when we see that all the other teams run more than us, and it’s not just when we don’t have the ball—this is crucial even when we possess it.

“We need to enhance our mobility, making numerous runs off the ball, which can be uncomfortable, since transforming one pass requires ten runs.

“All players must commit to pressing, defending, and attacking. To truly compete, relying solely on talent isn’t sufficient.”

“I want my players to not only recognize the necessity of commitment but to embody Real Madrid’s values. Throughout its history, Real Madrid was formed not by players striding onto the field in tuxedos, but rather by those who leave the game covered in sweat, mud, effort, sacrifice, and perseverance. This, combined with top talent, defines how we’ve crafted Real Madrid’s legacy.”

These sentiments will resonate for generations—painful yet revealing words, embodying observable truths and providing deeper insight from a coach’s perspective, while also potentially backfiring as some players may resent being targeted by these remarks.

Mourinho possesses an exceptional charisma, personality, and the manipulative skills essential for not just convincing but captivating those he leads. Although his tenure since leaving Madrid has been littered with controversial episodes, he may have the potential to harness that aspect of his character and strike the perfect balance this squad requires. Personally, I am skeptical, but ultimately, the decision lies outside my hands.

In his favor? His enthusiasm for the role, a strong relationship with the beleaguered president, an extraordinary capacity to establish a team’s style of play, and the ability to refine that philosophy into a competitive advantage.

Moreover, he is available. His contract with Benfica spans two seasons, but there exists a small window this summer where either party can opt out, implying that if Pérez decides to venture for the Special One (or perhaps Special Once), he could be appointed promptly.

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As this season features the FIFA World Cup, Madrid’s already fatigued and overworked squad faces the ultimate challenge—not due to their pampered lifestyles, but because they have barely accumulated just over three weeks of preseason training across the last two summers!

Whoever assumes command of a team seeking its second consecutive season without a major trophy requires a transformative strategy, and they need it urgently—certainly not in midsummer when other enticing candidates like Mauricio Pochettino and Didier Deschamps could be available.

Jorge Valdano, the 1986 World Cup winner and former Madrid player and coach, highlighted the need for stability. Valdano, who once labeled Mourinho’s work as “s— on a stick,” insists: “This is a moment which needs stability. To choose a project, support it, and accept the outcomes. Achieving greatness isn’t a matter of fairy-tale solutions—there’s no magic wand that can transform a team overnight.”

“Madrid’s intensity must increase, necessitating full player buy-in. Such transformative processes can lead to reactive injuries when players are unaccustomed to high-level demands.”

“Players gauge their coach by two standards: weak or strong. If they sense weakness, they will exploit it ruthlessly. Projecting strength is not reliant on merely the coach’s talent; it is about the club assuring everyone that they endorse him.”

While I harbor doubts about Mourinho’s ability to avoid causing chaos if he regains control, there is an alternative perspective—one recently expressed by Nuno Luz of Portugal’s SIC TV, who remarked on Spanish radio: “Mourinho has evolved significantly. Time has smoothed his edges; he seems calmer now. Yet he commands respect from players, and his commanding personality stands out. He is not the combative Mourinho who returned to Madrid previously.”

Shortly after Mourinho’s departure in 2013, Pérez publicly praised him, submitting to the scrutiny of the media: “José has been through various clubs and cherishes them all, but Real Madrid is on another echelon.

“However, in Spain, Mourinho faced unwarranted backlash and ridicule. It pains me to repeat the derogatory remarks made about him. Being an outsider, his journey has had its challenges; however, he has consistently shown respect and, when appropriate, offered sincere apologies.”

Therefore, dear reader, we are left with two questions: does this sound like a president who still holds a fondness for a man who might just be a solution to Madrid’s current predicament? If you were in Pérez’s shoes, would you take a chance on the reformed José?