Former Real Madrid defender was never an option to join Mourinho’s coaching staff – report | OneFootball

After weeks of speculation, Jose Mourinho is officially the coach of Real Madrid and will look to restore the club’s lost glory next season.

The experienced coach is expected to ring in the changes in the team, which could include the proliferation of multiple Portuguese talents.

Mourinho is also expected to bring in a new set of trusted individuals to act as assistants and play a key role in forming the technical staff. One name that has been floated is Pepe.

Pepe is not coming back to Real Madrid. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The former Real Madrid defender was rumoured to be a part of Mourinho’s staff, although a recent report has now refuted those claims.

Pepe not an option for Real Madrid

According to MARCA (h/t Madrid Zone), Pepe was never a priority option for Real Madrid, as far as Jose Mourinho’s technical staff is concerned.

The report adds that no official contacts ever took place between the parties, thus putting an end to speculation that the legendary defender could be set for a return to the Bernabeu in a coaching capacity.

Who is in the running?

Two former Real Madrid players have emerged as genuine options for Mourinho’s coaching staff.

The Pepe option has been ruled out at Real Madrid. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

The Portuguese coach has always preferred to have a former player with intimate knowledge of the club in his backroom setup, as he demonstrated during his first spell at the Bernabeu when he brought in Aitor Karanka.

While Pepe was touted as one of the candidates, it appears Ricardo Carvalho is emerging as the more preferred choice of the two.

Carvalho, though, is currently working as an assistant manager for Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, and it will be hard to bring him in early.

Mourinho is also expected to bring across trusted members of his coaching staff from Benfica, including assistant coaches and a fitness coach.

The role of Antonio Pintus, who had previously returned to the club’s medical and fitness setup, within the new structure also remains to be determined.