The future of Real Madrid is once again at the center of major managerial speculation, as current head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has publicly welcomed the possibility of José Mourinho returning to take charge of the club next season.
Reports suggest that Mourinho is in advanced discussions over a comeback to the Santiago Bernabéu, more than a decade after his first spell in charge ended. The Portuguese manager, now 63, is currently managing Benfica on a two-year contract he signed in September last year. Despite his ongoing commitment in Portugal, he is believed to be the preferred candidate of Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid player and now interim head coach, openly expressed admiration for Mourinho and indicated he would welcome his return with enthusiasm. Speaking ahead of the club’s final match against Sevilla, he described Mourinho as deeply connected to the club’s identity.
From Arbeloa’s perspective, Mourinho represents more than just a potential managerial appointment; he is someone who already belongs to the Real Madrid “family.” He highlighted the Portuguese coach’s historical significance at the club, referring to him as “one of ours” and suggesting that his return would be seen positively by many associated with the club.
Arbeloa stated that, speaking both as a former player and as a supporter of Real Madrid, he considers Mourinho to be the number one choice for the role. He added that if Mourinho does return, he would personally be delighted to see him back in charge at the Bernabéu.
Arbeloa himself took over managerial duties in January after the departure of Xabi Alonso, stepping into a challenging situation at a club that has now gone two consecutive seasons without winning a major trophy. Despite expectations of success, Real Madrid have struggled to meet their usual high standards in recent campaigns.
The club’s trophyless run has increased pressure on both the coaching staff and senior management. As a result, discussions around a potential managerial change have intensified, with Mourinho emerging as a serious candidate for a second spell in charge.
Meanwhile, off-field tensions within the squad have also attracted attention, particularly involving star forward Kylian Mbappé. The French international has recently been at the center of controversy after being left out of the starting lineup during Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo.
Mbappé had already missed two matches prior to that fixture, including the highly anticipated El Clásico, which saw Barcelona secure the league title. His absence was initially attributed to a thigh injury, but his return to the squad was met with mixed reactions from supporters, including whistles from sections of the crowd when he came off the bench.
The situation has sparked wider debate about Mbappé’s form, fitness, and commitment to the club during a difficult period for Real Madrid. Some fans have even expressed frustration online, with reports of a petition calling for his departure gaining significant attention.
Despite the external noise, Arbeloa has moved to downplay the controversy and maintain a calm dressing-room atmosphere. He emphasized that his interaction with Mbappé remained positive and that the situation was being exaggerated in the media.
According to Arbeloa, he recently spoke directly with the French forward and encouraged him to remain composed amid the criticism. He suggested that such situations are common in elite football, especially at a club with the expectations and pressure that come with playing for Real Madrid.
As a former player himself, Arbeloa said he understands the emotional response of professionals who are not selected to start matches. He acknowledged that players of Mbappé’s stature expect to be on the pitch regularly and that frustration in such situations is natural.
However, he stressed that there is no breakdown in their relationship and that Mbappé’s reaction should not be interpreted as disloyalty or deeper conflict within the squad. Instead, he framed it as a normal part of managing elite players in a highly competitive environment.
Arbeloa added that he actually appreciates Mbappé’s desire to play, suggesting that a player of his level should always want to be involved. In his view, a lack of frustration would be more concerning than the visible disappointment the striker showed.
The broader situation at Real Madrid remains complex. The club is navigating a transitional phase, balancing high expectations with recent underperformance. The possibility of Mourinho’s return adds another layer of intrigue, especially given his previous history with the club, where he both achieved success and generated controversy.
Mourinho’s first spell at Real Madrid was marked by intense rivalries, domestic success, and a highly competitive squad culture. His potential return would represent a dramatic shift in direction for a club seeking to re-establish dominance in Spain and Europe.
For Arbeloa, who is currently acting in an interim capacity, the situation appears to be evolving beyond his control. However, his public comments suggest acceptance of the club’s direction and support for decisions made at executive level.
As Real Madrid prepare to conclude another challenging season, attention is increasingly focused on what comes next. Whether Mourinho’s return is finalized or not, it is clear that significant changes are expected at the Bernabéu in the summer.
What remains consistent is the club’s ambition. Despite recent struggles, Real Madrid continue to position themselves as one of the most demanding and high-profile teams in world football, where managerial decisions and player performances are constantly under scrutiny.
The coming weeks are likely to determine not only the identity of the next head coach but also the future direction of the squad, including key figures like Mbappé and the club’s broader strategic approach.
