Real Madrid not considering iconic former manager’s return to club – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa is facing a litmus test tonight as his team takes on SL Benfica in the first of the two-legged knockout playoff match in the UEFA Champions League.

Arbeloa didn’t exactly make a good impression the last time these two sides faced each other, with Real Madrid’s former Jose Mourinho guiding Benfica to a 4-2 win that helped the Eagles secure a berth in the top 24.

Thanks to the nature of Benfica’s win, there has been renewed speculation surrounding Real Madrid potentially bringing back Mourinho from next season.

This became relevant especially amid uncertainties over Arbeloa’s long-term coaching future at Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid rule out return of Mourinho

However, heading into tonight’s clash against Benfica, Real Madrid have ruled out any move for Mourinho as their next head coach.

Real Madrid not considering a move for Mourinho. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

This is according to COPE, which suggests that the Portuguese tactician was approached by the club in the past.

However, this time around, Real Madrid are no longer interested in bringing him back and will either continue with Arbeloa or find a new option in the market.

This comes against the backdrop of recent reports that had suggested Mourinho could be open to a return to the Santiago Bernabeu if he is approached againby Los Blancos.

But that is not something Real Madrid are considering right now. Having gone from managing clubs like Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Chelsea to now coaching teams like Fenerbahce and AS Roma, Mourinho’s decline has been quite evident.

Although the Portuguese still boasts a tremendous track record, it appears Real Madrid are exploring someone who can move them forward rather than becoming a stopgap solution.