Mbappe's Mourinho Signal: Real Madrid Move Now 'Viable' as Klopp and Pochettino Get the Boot

Real Madrid's managerial merry-go-round appears to have found its favoured destination: Jose Mourinho. Kylian Mbappe, it seems, has made his feelings known on who should take the hot seat at the Bernabeu, and the Benfica boss has now emerged as a 'viable option' for Los Blancos.

The Spanish giants' season has gone from bad to worse. Bayern Munich sent them packing from the Champions League last week, winning 6-4 on aggregate after a compelling second leg, while domestically they've slipped nine points adrift of Barcelona in La Liga. Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso earlier in the campaign, looks destined for the exit door come summer.

Several names have circulated as potential replacements, with whispers even suggesting Jurgen Klopp had 'agreed' to the role. But Mbappe, it appears, has other ideas. The French striker has reportedly rejected both the former Liverpool manager and Mauricio Pochettino by publicly endorsing Mourinho instead—even going so far as to 'like' a post linking the Portuguese coach to Madrid. In an institution where every gesture is scrutinised with forensic intensity, such a move carries considerable weight.

Mourinho's three-year spell at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 remains a point of reference for those yearning for a return to the club's more combative ways. According to reports in Spain, Mbappe has made his preference crystal clear, and Cadena SER journalist Manu Carreno believes the sentiment extends beyond the player himself.

"Many would like to bring back the spirit of Mourinho or someone with Mourinho's character to bring some order," Carreno explained. "After having several left-leaning coaches, they believe the time has come for a right-leaning coach who will instil in them the character they need. Real Madrid needs a leader as a coach, and that's why many are thinking of José Mourinho."

Yet Carreno sounded a note of caution. "What's happening is that Mourinho is a professional provocateur," he warned. "He starts by arguing with Barca and the referees and ends up arguing with his own people in the locker room, as happened to him before, and dividing Real Madrid."

The reports suggest Mourinho 'has emerged as a viable option' but stress that Real Madrid have 'not yet begun formal negotiations'. With the club keen to appoint an experienced hand following their gamble on Alonso, a Bernabeu return for Mourinho 'appears to be his priority'.

Benfica currently sit second in Portugal's top flight, seven points behind leaders Porto, having yet to lose a match this season. When quizzed on his future this week, Mourinho remained characteristically cagey.

"I've already said enough, perhaps more than enough," he said. "What I said, I said; I don't need to repeat it. That's all."

On the Real Madrid speculation and links elsewhere, he added: "I don't want to say anything more about that. I've already said what I had to say regarding Benfica and I'm not going to make any further comments."

Mourinho did address recent reports of tension with Benfica's president, though his explanation came with a wry smile. "The only reason I'm upset with him is because they didn't give me the 25-year membership badge," he said. "I think they gave it to everyone but me, they forgot about me. That's the only reason I'm upset, otherwise everything's fine, there's absolutely no problem. Everyone knows the situation—when the season ends we'll have 10 days to continue or part ways. I've already said what I had to say."