Rumours surrounding a possible return for Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid continue to grow stronger, and now club president Florentino Perez has finally addressed the speculation himself.
During an interview with journalist Josep Pedrerol, the Real Madrid president was asked directly about Mourinho’s situation and the growing belief that the Portuguese coach could return to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Although Perez avoided giving a clear answer regarding the managerial position, he did not hide his admiration for Mourinho and the impact he had during his previous spell in Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
What did Perez say?
Speaking about the experienced Portuguese coach, Perez recalled the importance of Mourinho’s time at the club and the mentality shift he brought to the dressing room during a difficult European period.
“Do I like Mourinho? I like all managers. He was with us, he raised our competitiveness, and then we won several Champions Leagues in a row,” he began.
Despite the constant speculation linking Mourinho with another spell in Madrid, Perez also pushed back against the idea that he personally handpicks every manager at the club.
“It’s not true that I appoint the managers.”
However, the interviewer continued pressing the Real Madrid president on Mourinho’s name, clearly aware of the growing noise surrounding the former manager’s future.
Jose Mourinho, Benfica manager
Perez did not say much about Mourinho. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Perez, though, once again tried to cool down the discussion.
“You’re really harping on about Mourinho. I didn’t even speak to Mourinho when he came here for the Champions League match against Benfica,” he added.
On Xabi Alonso
The interview also touched on the difficult period Real Madrid endured around the 2025 Club World Cup and the arrival of Xabi Alonso on the bench.
According to Perez, physical exhaustion within the squad played a major role in the team’s inconsistent performances.
“We didn’t have a pre-season and when you don’t have one, you fall apart physically.
“We thought that with the change we could sort it out, but it lasted a short while and then they fell apart again,” he said.
Even though Perez avoided directly confirming any contact with Mourinho, his comments are unlikely to stop the rumours.
With uncertainty still surrounding Real Madrid’s long-term plans on the bench, Mourinho’s name continues to hover around the Bernabeu once again.