Mourinho’s first Real Madrid move could be explosive with Pepe considered for bench role | OneFootball

After winning the Real Madrid presidential election, Florentino Pérez has set about planning 2025/26 to end two seasons without a trophy and Barça’s renewed dominance in La Liga. He confirmed José Mourinho’s return, with an official announcement expected soon.

According to Superdeporte, early moves include the prospect of Pepe rejoining to assist Mourinho on the bench, a scenario some reporters consider a given. It would reunite a combustible partnership from the Portuguese’s first spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Képler Laverán Lima Ferreira, known as Pepe, joined from Porto and, between 2007 and 2017, was a mainstay at Real Madrid. Under Mourinho, he became one of the coach’s trusted lieutenants during intense battles with a historic Barça led by Leo Messi and coaches Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova and Luis Enrique.

His defensive excellence came with controversy. On 21 April 2009 against Getafe he stamped on Javier Casquero in the area, then struck Juan Ángel Albín amid the melee after the penalty and red card. He received a 10 match ban.

Two seasons later Mourinho took charge and Pepe was often central in the highest tension moments of the clásico rivalry. Beyond that edge, the Brazil-born Portugal international, born in Maceió on 26 February 1983, won Euro 2016, Nations League 2019 and three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, part of 29 career trophies. His dressing-room authority could make him a trusted figure for Mourinho again.

Source: Superdeporte