From impossible to necessary: Why Mourinho’s return could be the ideal fix for Real Madrid | OneFootball

For months, the idea of seeing Jose Mourinho back at Real Madrid felt unrealistic, as it sounded more like nostalgia than an actual plan. 

The club had moved on, Mourinho had built several chapters elsewhere and Real Madrid appeared focused on a different future.

Now, however, the situation has changed dramatically.

As things stand, Mourinho may have managed his final game for Benfica yesterday before beginning what is expected to be his second spell at Real Madrid. 

While the contract is yet to be officially signed, all parties have already reached an agreement in principle.

What once looked impossible has suddenly become necessary.

Florentino Perez turns back to familiar solutions

When chaos begins to surround Real Madrid, Florentino Perez often looks towards figures he already trusts.

That approach worked previously with Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, as both returned during difficult moments and managed to stabilise the club almost immediately.

Now Perez is once again choosing experience over experimentation after Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa failed.

This decision is not only about tactics or short-term football improvements. It is about restoring authority inside a dressing room that has looked disconnected for months.

A dressing room that slowly lost control

Mourinho is set to take charge of Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Throughout the campaign, there have been growing signs of tension inside the squad involving many players.

Several senior players have become frustrated with inconsistent decisions regarding playing time, while younger stars have struggled to handle the pressure and spotlight that come with representing Real Madrid.

There have also been visible signs of disconnect during matches. Poor body language, public frustration between teammates and a lack of collective reaction in difficult moments became recurring themes during the season.

The situation surrounding Kylian Mbappe only added more pressure to the environment. 

Questions around his role, tactical adjustments and reports of internal disagreements became constant talking points around Valdebebas.

Meanwhile, figures like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham often appeared emotionally exhausted, carrying responsibility in tense moments, while criticism towards some experienced players continued to grow among supporters.

The atmosphere around the club also became increasingly toxic, especially after it came to light that several players had multiple confrontations this season.

Fans turned impatient after disappointing performances, while the dressing room appeared unable to respond collectively. 

As inconsistency piled up, confidence dropped, and the unity that once defined Madrid’s biggest teams slowly disappeared.

That is exactly why Mourinho’s return is being viewed internally as a solution beyond football itself.

Mourinho’s biggest strength has never been tactics alone

Only Mourinho can handle the Real Madrid dressing room. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

At almost every club he has managed, Mourinho’s greatest quality has been his ability to impose order.

The Portuguese coach thrives in emotionally unstable situations because he immediately creates structure, hierarchy and accountability. 

Players know exactly where they stand with him. There is no confusion, no mixed messaging and no uncertainty over authority. That is something Real Madrid desperately need right now.

This current squad remains one of the most talented in Europe, but talent alone has not been the issue. 

The club has lacked emotional control, leadership during difficult moments and a manager capable of handling multiple egos inside the dressing room at once.

Mourinho has spent his entire career managing precisely those situations.

During his first spell at Real Madrid, he inherited a team psychologically damaged by repeated failures against Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. 

Within a short period, he transformed Madrid into an aggressive, mentally strong side capable of competing with anyone.

His methods were controversial at times, but they restored belief and intensity inside the club. That experience now matters more than ever.

It’s about restoring order first

All eyes on Mourinho now. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid are not bringing Mourinho back simply to improve their tactical setup or chase immediate silverware.

The club believe the priority is rebuilding discipline, unity and accountability inside the dressing room first, while sporting success is expected to follow naturally if stability returns.

Few managers in world football carry the personality required for that challenge and for a fractured dressing room, that can become extremely valuable.

There is no guarantee that Mourinho’s second spell will be a success because football has changed significantly since his first time in Madrid and expectations around the club remain enormous.

Still, there is an understanding that the current problems cannot be solved purely through transfers or tactical tweaks. 

The dressing room needs leadership, authority and emotional balance again, and right now, few managers in football offer that better than Jose Mourinho.