Arrival of new Real Madrid manager getting delayed due to presidential elections — report | OneFootball

It is an open secret now that Jose Mourinho will become the next coach of Real Madrid, taking over the reins from Alvaro Arbeloa.

Mourinho has a daunting task ahead of him, stabilising a fledgling dressing room and reinforcing a team that has failed to collect a major trophy in two years.

In order to prepare for the challenge ahead, Mourinho would require some more time than usual. However, his official appointment is getting delayed, particularly due to the upcoming Real Madrid presidential elections.

Why Mourinho’s appointment is getting delayed

According to Diario AS, the confirmation of Real Madrid’s first presidential election since 2006 has left Mourinho in a waiting game.

Florentino Perez will take on Enrique Riquelme in the elections. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

With Florentino Perez, who will take on Enrique Riquelme, now focused on winning the election rather than finalising contract details, the process has been pushed back by a couple of weeks, which Mourinho considers vital in terms of pre-season planning.

The situation has also handed Benfica an opportunity to extract more money from the deal. A clause that would have allowed Real Madrid to sign Mourinho for €7 million expired on May 26.

That means Madrid must now negotiate directly with Benfica, who are not inclined to make things easy, given the deterioration in relations between the two clubs over the Carreras transfer saga, their Champions League clashes and the Prestianni-Vinicius incident.

Mourinho remains calm and convinced

Despite the complications, Mourinho is not worried. He has been closely following the election and is convinced Florentino Perez will win.

Mourinho is closely following the Real Madrid election. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

He is also waiting to see whether Perez will publicly confirm him as his chosen coach during the campaign, a move that would significantly strengthen his position.

Under the terms of the agreement pending signature, Mourinho would take charge for two years, with a third year triggered automatically if he wins the league.

Mourinho sees this as his best opportunity to finally win the Champions League with Real Madrid, having reached three consecutive semi-finals during his previous stint.