Jose Mourinho was approached by Real Madrid for a coaching return, says former assistant | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho will perhaps go down as one of the most iconic managers in football in the 21st century. A multiple Champions League winner and proven champion, Mourinho’s legacy is not easy to achieve and Real Madrid are more than aware of that.

In a recent interview with El Chiringuito, Aitor Karanka, who served as Mourinho’s assistant during his spell at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, has revealed that the Portuguese tactician was approached by Los Blancos for a coaching return at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid approached Mourinho: Karanka

In a conversation with El Chiringuito’s Josep Pedrerol (h/t MARCA), Karanka was directly asked whether Mourinho would like to return to Real Madrid.

“I think Mourinho has had some opportunities to return to Real Madrid,” Karanka replied, before explaining why the move did not work out.

Aitor Karanka worked closely with Mourinho at Real Madrid. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

“But these things happen in football; things just didn’t work out. And the important thing is that now at Real Madrid there’s a coach who’s Spanish (Alvaro Arbeloa),” he added.

Karanka’s statement comes on the back of Mourinho recently lambasting the media for once again linking him with a return to Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, signifying Arbeloa’s ascension, Karanka said, “For the Spanish Football Federation, having coaches trained in Spain is good, and we hope it lasts a long time.”

Pedrorol was compelled to ask whether Real Madrid themselves had approached Mourinho, to which Karanka agreed. “As far as I know, at some point yes. I don’t remember how long ago either,” he said

The Spaniard, who is currently serving as the director of development in the Spanish national team, concluded by explaining the reason why the move broke down.

“It’s all about the football. Perhaps it was mid-season or Mourinho was working on another project… Nobody is surprised by Jose Mourinho’s relationship with the president of Real Madrid (Florentino Perez),” he concluded.