Real Madrid appoints Jose Mourinho as new head coach
Real Madrid have officially announced Jose Mourinho’s appointment as their new head coach, bringing the Portuguese tactician back to the Bernabeu more than a decade after his departure, reports BritPanorama.
The 63-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him at the Spanish club until 2029. He takes over from Alvaro Arbeloa, who confirmed his exit following a caretaker spell on Wednesday. Mourinho will commence his duties on 13 July, coinciding with the start of pre-season preparations.
This marks a significant return for the self-styled Special One, who last managed Madrid in 2013. The club triggered a €15 million release clause to secure Mourinho’s services from Benfica, as confirmed in a recent notification to financial regulators. Remarkably, Madrid could have signed their new manager for a lesser fee, with an available break clause of approximately €6 million that expired on 29 May.
Florentino Perez, re-elected as club president on Sunday, played a key role in championing Mourinho’s return. During his initial stint at the Bernabeu from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho secured three domestic trophies, with his peak achievement occurring in the 2011/12 season when Madrid won La Liga with a record point total.
The club’s fortunes have since declined, with the current season marking a second consecutive year without major silverware. Following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso last January, Arbeloa managed the team through the remainder of the season before stepping down ahead of the final fixture against Athletic Club.
Mourinho is expected to bring several members of his Benfica backroom staff to Madrid, including assistants Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado, and fitness coach Antonio Dias. He remains open to retaining some of Madrid’s existing coaching staff. Mourinho has already emphasized the need for reinforcements in several positions, including right-back, left-back, centre-back, and creative midfield.
As the new season approaches, Mourinho’s return certainly adds intrigue to Madrid’s ambitions, showcasing how the club navigates the ever-evolving demands of top-flight football.
