Real Madrid icon ‘well placed’ to secure role in Mourinho’s coaching setup | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid continues to gather momentum, and fresh reports suggest that one familiar face from the club’s recent past could be joining him at the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, former Real Madrid defender Pepe is well placed to become part of Mourinho’s coaching staff as preparations for the new era continue.

The Portuguese icon, who enjoyed a hugely successful playing career in Madrid, could now return to the club in a completely different capacity, working alongside one of the managers who helped shape his legacy.

A candidate for Mourinho’s coaching team

Pepe spent a decade at Real Madrid between 2007 and 2017, establishing himself as one of the most respected defenders of his generation. 

Pepe played under Mourinho. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

During that period, he made 334 official appearances and scored 15 goals while helping the club compete for major honours across Spain and Europe.

Furthermore, his relationship with Mourinho is also a strong one, as the pair worked together during the manager’s first spell in charge of Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. 

Across those three seasons, Pepe featured in 125 matches under the Portuguese coach and remained one of the manager’s most trusted players.

Now, more than a decade later, the two could reunite at Valdebebas.

Changes in the coaching staff

It is said that Mourinho sees Pepe as a valuable addition due to his experience, leadership qualities and deep understanding of Real Madrid’s culture.

Pepe could return to Real Madrid. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Furthermore, as reported before, alongside the potential arrival of Pepe, several members of Mourinho’s current Benfica staff are also expected to follow him to Spain.

Joao Tralhao, one of Mourinho’s most trusted assistants, is set to make the move, while Pedro Machado is also expected to join the project. 

Machado has worked closely with Mourinho since the Portuguese manager’s spell at Fenerbahce and remains a key member of his inner circle.

Lastly, analyst Roberto Merella is also likely to arrive at the Bernabeu. The pair first worked together at AS Roma in 2022 and have maintained a close professional relationship ever since.