Spanish media reports suggest that José Mourinho is on the verge of making a sensational return to Real Madrid CF, with newspaper Marca claiming the agreement is “99.9 per cent complete”.
According to the report, only the official announcement remains before Mourinho is confirmed as the next Real Madrid manager in what would mark one of the most dramatic coaching returns in recent European football history.
The Portuguese coach previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning a La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup during a fiercely competitive era dominated by Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.
Club president Florentino Pérez appeared to fuel speculation earlier this week after publicly praising Mourinho’s previous spell at the Santiago Bernabéu, stating that the former Chelsea, Inter and Roma coach had “raised the level” of the club during his first tenure.
While attention increasingly turns towards the dugout, Real Madrid are also dealing with growing internal tensions involving star forward Kylian Mbappé.
Barcelona-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo claimed on Friday that divisions have emerged inside the dressing room between Mbappé and Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior, describing the situation as two “irreconcilable factions” within the squad.
Meanwhile, Madrid newspaper AS reported that Florentino Pérez is expected to hold direct talks with Mbappé in an attempt to calm tensions following the recent controversy surrounding the French international.
Mbappé was reportedly jeered by sections of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd during Real Madrid’s latest home fixture before publicly criticising coach Álvaro Arbeloa after the match.
According to Spanish reports, the French striker was angered after allegedly being informed he was considered the team’s “fourth attacking option”. The tension is also believed to stem from his omission from the starting lineup during last weekend’s El Clásico following his recent injury recovery.
The situation has attracted significant attention across Europe, with French sports newspaper L’Équipe describing the controversy as “La Real polémica” on its front page.
Should Mourinho’s return be confirmed, he would arrive at a club facing not only sporting pressure but also growing dressing room instability ahead of a crucial summer rebuild.
