Mourinho to leave Benfica, Real Madrid ‘to appoint’ senior dressing-room figure | OneFootball

José Mourinho will leave Benfica to become Real Madrid head coach, with the club preparing a major dressing-room shift after a turbulent season.

Marca reports that, alongside hiring the former Benfica coach, Madrid plan to install a senior figure to link staff, players and board, and to prevent conflicts, leaks and disciplinary issues.

The role would resemble a team manager, someone with authority and internal weight. It recalls Zinedine Zidane’s influence during Mourinho’s first spell at the Bernabéu from 2010/2011 to 2012/2013.

The push follows a fraught year, particularly during periods led by Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa. A violent training-ground clash between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, with Mourinho present, left the Uruguayan needing hospital treatment and stitches.

Both players were fined €500,000 for the incident. Arbeloa later criticised the leak, arguing such matters should remain inside Madrid’s dressing room and recalling a team-mate once attacking another with a golf club.

With Mourinho set to take charge, Madrid want to avoid repeating recent errors and are preparing an internal overhaul.

Source: Glorioso 1904