A 99,9%”: la presse madrilène annonce que José Mourinho sera le prochain entraîneur du Real Madrid avec quasi certitude – RMC Sport

Real Madrid is on the verge of appointing José Mourinho as its next head coach, according to reports from the Spanish press on May 15, 2026. The move comes amid a period of significant instability for the club, which is currently grappling with an internal crisis and a trophyless season.

The daily publication Marca reports that the return of the Portuguese manager to the Maison Blanche is now à 99,9% certain. This reporting follows an initial announcement by the Catalan newspaper Sport, which claimed that a total agreement has been reached between Mourinho and Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid.

A Year of Coaching Instability

If the appointment is finalized, José Mourinho will become the fourth head coach for Real Madrid within a single year. The club’s technical leadership has seen rapid turnover, moving from Xabi Alonso to Alvaro Arbeloa, who stepped in as an interim manager.

Arbeloa has reportedly struggled during his interim tenure. While the club’s short-list for a permanent successor included names such as Jürgen Klopp and Didier Deschamps, the most serious lead ultimately pointed toward the return of the manager known as the Special One.

Contractual Path from Benfica

Mourinho has spent the current season on the bench at Benfica. His transition back to the Spanish capital is facilitated by a specific temporary clause in his current contract, which allows him to enter discussions with another club during the current interseason period.

Reports indicate that the negotiations were concluded quickly. The remaining steps involve determining the exact timing for the official announcement and the signing of the contract. This process coincides with a period of administrative transition, as Florentino Perez has called for new elections in the coming days.

Managing a Club in Crisis

Mourinho returns to a Real Madrid environment that is described as ultra-tense. The club is currently facing a grave internal crisis characterized by tensions between players and a general questioning of the coaching staff. President Florentino Perez has come under significant criticism.

The primary objective for the incoming manager will be to stabilize the dressing room, address internal wounds, and prevent the club from enduring another season without major trophies.

This appointment marks a return to a club where Mourinho previously served as head coach between 2010 and 2013. While his first tenure ended under tension, he now returns to a context of high adversity, a challenge he is noted for embracing.

Relationship with Alvaro Arbeloa

The potential transition from Arbeloa to Mourinho is framed by a close personal relationship. Mourinho has spoken of Arbeloa as a friend, stating that their bond has grown even stronger since Arbeloa took over the coaching duties at Real Madrid.

Despite their friendship, Mourinho expressed a sense of empathy regarding Arbeloa’s difficult position as interim coach, noting that the situation hurts him for Arbeloa.

The news of Mourinho’s likely arrival has also been noted by Carlo Ancelotti, who recently spoke regarding the Portuguese manager’s return to the club.