Real Madrid has confirmed the re-appointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach. The 63-year-old manager has agreed to a three-year deal with the club, marking his second tenure at the Bernabéu. His official start date for pre-season training is set for 13 July.
The Spanish giants have paid Benfica €15m (£13m) in compensation to secure Mourinho’s return. This move comes more than a decade after his initial spell with the club concluded. Mourinho’s contract with Real Madrid is set to run until 30 June 2029.
Mourinho’s Return and Club Context
The decision to bring Mourinho back was influenced by Florentino Pérez, who was re-elected as club president earlier this month. Pérez, who has held the office since 2009, had previously vowed to re-appoint Mourinho if he won the election. The 79-year-old president secured 65% of the votes, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme.
Mourinho’s return follows a challenging period for Real Madrid, which has not secured a major trophy in the last two seasons. The club finished second in La Liga behind Barcelona and exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to Bayern Munich. The previous season also saw manager Xabi Alonso sacked in January, with Álvaro Arbeloa taking over as interim head coach.
During his first stint at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho achieved significant success. He led the team to a La Liga title in the 2011-12 season, a Copa del Rey in 2010-11, and a Spanish Super Cup. His La Liga victory was achieved with a record points total.
Recent Managerial Career and Benfica Departure
Since leaving Real Madrid previously, Mourinho has managed several prominent clubs across Europe. His career includes spells at Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur. More recently, he has managed Roma in Italy, Fenerbahce in Turkey, and Benfica in Portugal.
Mourinho’s most recent role was with Benfica, where he had started his managerial career. In his single season with the club, he guided the two-time European Cup winners to an unbeaten campaign in Liga Portugal. Despite this achievement, the team finished in third place in the league standings.
Following Mourinho’s departure, Benfica has moved quickly to appoint his successor. The club reached an agreement to bring in former Fulham manager Marco Silva. Silva, who left Fulham last week after five years, has signed a two-year deal with Benfica, which includes an option to extend for an additional season.
The confirmation of Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid was made by the club’s Board of Directors on Thursday, 11 June.
Presidential Support and Future Expectations
President Florentino Pérez expressed his confidence in Mourinho’s ability to restore order and success to the club. Pérez stated that the club would continue working to win titles and fight for the 16th European Cup. He also highlighted pride in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and the quality of the players.
Pérez described Mourinho as a “true Madridista” and one of the best coaches in the world. He affirmed that under his presidency, Real Madrid would remain owned by its members. The presidential election, which concluded last Sunday, cleared the way for Mourinho’s re-appointment.
The club’s official statement on Thursday, 11 June, confirmed the appointment of Jose Mourinho as first team coach for the next three seasons.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
