Mourinho's Madrid Homecoming Dreams While Klopp Falls Foul of Perez's Vision

Jose Mourinho harbours genuine ambitions of making a sensational return to the Bernabeu, according to Spanish football correspondent Guillem Balague, who has shed light on why Real Madrid's hierarchy remains lukewarm on Jurgen Klopp as a potential successor to Alvaro Arbeloa.

The Portuguese tactician spent three years in the Spanish capital from 2010 to 2013, collecting three major honours including the 2012 LaLiga title. Currently plying his trade at Benfica, where he remains under contract until 2027, Mourinho appears willing to engineer an exit if the opportunity arises.

The Athletic initially reported that club president Perez had warmed to the idea of reuniting with his former charge. Subsequently, outlets revealed the 63-year-old has been actively positioning himself for the role, leaving suitors in no doubt that a Bernabeu appointment sits atop his priorities. Newcastle United have also registered their interest in securing his services come summer.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Balague explained the dynamics at play: "People inside the club suggest he is not necessarily the only name on the list. The Mourinho option is driven principally by Perez himself… and by the Portuguese manager. Perez likes to throw ideas out there and see what reaction they get. Mourinho is under contract with Benfica until 2027 but can come out of it, and whatever he says publicly, my understanding is that he is desperate to return to the Bernabeu."

When pressed on the Madrid speculation during Tuesday's media duties, Mourinho remained characteristically coy. His Benfica midfielder Richard Rios, however, made his feelings abundantly clear when speaking to AS: "I don't know, to be honest. As far as I'm concerned, I hope not – I hope he stays with me. Every day I learn something new from him. He's got a formidable character and motivates you like no one else. His career is incredible; he's been at it for years and has won everything. You never see him lose his drive. It's still as strong as ever. That motivates me as a player to want more."

The Klopp Question

Klopp's name has long circulated as the frontrunner for the Madrid job, yet Balague reveals a critical stumbling block in Perez's thinking. The former Liverpool boss's trademark approach—demanding specific playing styles and reshaping clubs in his own mould—sits uneasily with how the Madrid president operates.

"Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also been mentioned, and his name carries weight," Balague wrote. "But there are reservations as he is interventionist by nature – he demands a specific way of playing, he reshapes clubs in his own image. That is precisely what Real, under Perez, do not want. For now at least, Klopp feels like a name that generates excitement outside the club more than inside it."

The distinction is telling: whilst Klopp's appointment would undoubtedly electrify supporters and media alike, the Bernabeu's decision-makers appear to favour a different blueprint—one less likely to fundamentally alter their established machinery.