Two former Real Madrid stars emerge as options as Mourinho looking for a ‘recognised’ assistant | OneFootball

Earlier this week, Real Madrid made it official that Jose Mourinho will return as the manager of the first team, taking over from Alvaro Arbeloa after a chaotic end to the season.

The return of the ‘Special One’ is no random decision but a well-weighted and strategic appointment by Florentino Perez.

After all, the club president was always clear that he would only bet on a successful, experienced and ‘winning’ name as his next manager, and Mourinho was one name who stood out from the get-go.

A mystery assistant

While Mourinho’s appointment has been made official, what has not been confirmed yet is the team that the coach will bring with him to the Spanish capital. After all, he is used to working with some of the best in the business over his decades of experience.

Mundo Deportivo, on that front, reports that it still remains a mystery who Mourinho will have as his right-hand man for his new stint at the club.

Pepe could return to Real Madrid as Mourinho’s assistant. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

The Portuguese manager hopes to have a ‘recognisable’ figure as his second at Real Madrid, one who not only has a good tactical understanding and aptitude but who commands the respect of the dressing room as one of the club’s own.

In his first stint at Real Madrid, Mourinho placed Aitor Karanka, the former Real Madrid player, as his second. This time around, he is looking for a similar name to carry out the same role.

Two options stand out

The Spanish outlet further confirm that Pepe, the former Real Madrid defender, is considered an option to be Mourinho’s second. His history at the club makes him a strong contender, but he is not the frontrunner as matters stand.

Ricardo Carvalho, former Real Madrid and Chelsea defender, is seen to be more preferred internally for the position of Mourinho’s assistant coach. The hurdle in his case, however, is his availability.

Ricardo Carvalho (R) is also an option. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Carvalho is already a few steps into his managerial journey and is currently Roberto Martinez’s assistant for the Portuguese national team at the FIFA World Cup.

There was talk of Arbeloa continuing as Mourinho’s deputy as well, especially given that he ticks the required boxes.

Given that he was recently the first-team manager and that he is looking to continue his managerial journey away from the club, that option is now looking unlikely.