Enrique Riquelme on Mourinho at Real Madrid, even hints at exit | OneFootball

Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the Real Madrid presidency, revealed this Friday that he is still working to strengthen his election project with new high-profile names ahead of Sunday’s elections. In an interview with Radio MARCA, the businessman explained the reasons that led him to challenge Florentino Pérez and assured that he intends to present more developments in the coming days.

After already securing the support of Vicente del Bosque, one of the most respected figures in the history of Spanish football, Riquelme admitted that his candidacy was born out of concern for the club’s institutional future. “The truth is that I ran solely because of the issue of the sale of the club. Obviously I want to win the elections, but the main reason was to try to prevent a possible sale of Real Madrid,” he said.

The candidate also added that, since launching his candidacy, several professionals have made themselves available to join the project. “In the meantime, some very interesting profiles have come on board, which has strengthened our conviction even more,” he added. Although he did not reveal the identity of the coach he intends to hire if he wins the election, Enrique Riquelme assured that it is a safe and experienced choice.

Asked about José Mourinho, the candidate did not hide his admiration for the Portuguese coach, but ruled out the possibility of hiring him to lead the Madrid side. It should be recalled that Benfica confirmed on Thursday, through a statement sent to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), that it had received an expression of the Real Madrid’s “firm intention” to hire José Mourinho if Florentino Pérez is re-elected president of the Spanish club in the elections scheduled for this Sunday.

"Mourinho seems to me to be a great coach. He has coached many of the best players in the world, including at Real Madrid. However, right now, he is not the most suitable profile. That does not take away from the fact that he is a great coach. I do not know the details of his signing. Do you think he has already been signed? Imagine if we then have to terminate the contract... That is why I would have liked a debate with Pérez to discuss this kind of issue".

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