The Catalyst: Arbeloa’s Struggles and Pérez’s Growing Impatience

Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid defender, was appointed interim head coach in January 2026 after the club sacked Xabi Alonso following a disappointing first half of the season. Despite his deep ties to the club’s culture, Arbeloa has failed to reverse the team’s fortunes. Real Madrid is poised to finish the campaign without a La Liga, Champions League, or Copa del Rey title for the second straight year, a reality that has intensified pressure on Pérez to make a change.

Sources close to the club told The Athletic that Pérez, rather than general manager José Angel Sánchez, is now personally driving the search for Arbeloa’s successor. This hands-on approach contrasts with the hiring of Alonso last summer, which was led by Sánchez but ultimately approved by Pérez. The president’s direct involvement signals the urgency he feels to restore Real Madrid’s dominance, both domestically and in Europe.

Why Mourinho? A Proven Winner with a Complicated Legacy

Mourinho’s name carries weight in Madrid. During his three-year tenure from 2010 to 2013, he delivered three trophies, including the 2011-12 La Liga title, which the club won with a record 100 points. His ability to secure silverware—particularly in domestic competitions—aligns with Pérez’s stated goal of ending the current trophy drought. However, Mourinho’s time at the Santiago Bernabéu was also marked by tension, including public clashes with players like Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, as well as a strained relationship with the media.

Despite these controversies, Mourinho’s track record of winning titles with multiple clubs—including the UEFA Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan—makes him an appealing option for Pérez, who has historically prioritized high-profile, experienced managers. Mourinho’s current contract with Benfica includes a break clause that would allow him to leave for a fee of approximately €3 million within 10 days of the Portuguese season’s conclusion, making a move logistically feasible.

Internal Divide: Not Everyone at Real Madrid Supports Mourinho’s Return

While Pérez is reportedly the primary advocate for Mourinho’s appointment, The Athletic notes that there is opposition within the club. Some members of the Real Madrid hierarchy question whether Mourinho’s style and personality would mesh with the current squad, which features a mix of young talents like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga alongside established stars such as Vinícius Júnior and Thibaut Courtois.

One key concern is Mourinho’s tactical approach, which has often been criticized for prioritizing pragmatism over attacking football. His tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, which ended in 2021, was marked by defensive struggles and a lack of progress in the Premier League. However, Mourinho’s supporters argue that his ability to manage egos and extract results from high-pressure situations could be exactly what Real Madrid needs to stabilize its project.

What’s Next for Arbeloa and Real Madrid?

Arbeloa’s future will likely be decided in the coming weeks. If Pérez moves forward with Mourinho, the club could finalize the deal as early as late May, once Benfica’s season concludes. The Portuguese club is currently competing in the Liga Portugal title race and the UEFA Europa Conference League, with the domestic campaign set to end on May 18, 2026.

For Real Madrid, the stakes are high. The club has not won La Liga since the 2021-22 season, and its failure to advance past the Champions League quarterfinals in 2025 and 2026 has raised questions about its ability to compete with rivals like Barcelona, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. Mourinho’s appointment would send a clear message: Pérez is willing to take bold risks to restore the club’s winning mentality.

The Bigger Picture: Mourinho’s Second Act in Madrid

If Mourinho does return to the Santiago Bernabéu, it would mark the end of a 13-year absence from the club. His first spell was defined by both triumph and turmoil, and his second tenure would begin under similarly high expectations. The 2011-12 La Liga title remains one of the most dominant in the club’s history, but Mourinho’s inability to deliver the Champions League—a trophy he has won twice with other clubs—left a lingering sense of unfinished business.

For Pérez, the allure of Mourinho extends beyond trophies. The Portuguese manager’s global profile and media savvy could assist re-energize the club’s brand, particularly in markets where Real Madrid’s recent struggles have dampened fan engagement. Mourinho’s outspoken personality and knack for generating headlines would also provide a stark contrast to the more reserved Arbeloa, whose low-key approach has done little to shift the narrative around the team’s underperformance.

Key Questions Surrounding Mourinho’s Potential Return

• Can Mourinho adapt his tactics to modern football? His recent stints at Tottenham and Roma were marked by defensive struggles and a lack of fluidity in attack. Real Madrid’s current squad, built around creative midfielders and wingers, may require a more progressive approach.
• How will the squad react to his return? Several current players, including veterans like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, were part of the squad during Mourinho’s first tenure. Their experiences—both positive and negative—could shape the dressing room’s response to his leadership.
• What are the financial implications? Mourinho’s salary demands are expected to be substantial, and the €3 million release clause in his Benfica contract would add to the overall cost of the appointment. However, Pérez has historically been willing to invest heavily in managerial talent when he believes it will yield results.
• Is this a short-term fix or a long-term project? Mourinho’s history suggests he is often brought in to deliver immediate results, but Real Madrid’s long-term vision—particularly the development of young players—may require a more patient approach.