In the midst of Real Madrid’s poor form, there has been intense pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti, as he looks to guide his team back into top form.
There has been talks of the Italian being potentially sacked in the middle of the campaign, with Santiago Solari reportedly ready to take over as interim coach.
As speculation over Ancelotti’s future continue, former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was quipped about a potential return to Santiago Bernabeu.
Jose Mourinho on returning to Real Madrid
Instead of voicing any desire to return to Real Madrid, Mourinho backed his ‘friend’ Carlo Ancelotti, even calling him the best manager in the world.
“Should I come back? Real Madrid have the best coach in the world, my friend Carlo, and he’s doing very well,” Mourinho said (h/t El Correo).
Formerly of Chelsea and Manchester United, Mourinho coached Real Madrid between 2010 to 2013. During his time at the Bernabeu, he notably secured the La Liga title in 2012 and was voted the best coach in the world in 2011.
Mourinho calls Ancelotti a ‘friend’ (Photo by Adam Davy – Pool/Getty Images)
At that time, Mourinho was best known for his rivalry with then-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.
Although the Portuguese tactician has coached many clubs since, he remains an avid Real Madrid supporter. “I’m white in Spain. I really support Real Madrid,” he said.
Mourinho is currently plying his trade in Turkey, coaching Fenerbahce. He has enjoyed decent success at Fenerbahce till now, though the Istanbul outfit are nowhere close to Galatasaray at the top of the league table.
Fenerbahce’s performance in Europe has been mixed as well, with the Turkish giants winning only two of the five matches in the Europa League so far.