Mourinho’s Three Unfinished Dreams at Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho is the frontrunner to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid after a trophyless season and dressing-room turmoil that has pushed president Florentino Perez to consider bringing him back. The 63-year-old Portuguese manager has three major dreams he wants to fulfill if he returns to the Spanish capital.

Mourinho has one match left this season with Benfica, where his team remains undefeated in the Portuguese top flight but is projected to finish third. His contract with the Portuguese club runs until the summer of 2027, though it includes a clause allowing him to terminate it next summer. He has led Benfica in 43 matches this season, recording 26 wins, nine draws, and eight losses.

According to recent reports, Mourinho has demanded clear guarantees before making a final decision, wanting to start a new project with full authority. He has requested a two-year contract, permission to choose his own technical and physical preparation staff, and complete power over squad-related decisions. The reports indicate he wants assurance that the club’s management will not interfere in lineup choices or dressing-room management, insisting on the freedom to make decisive moves against any player who does not align with his vision. He also stipulated that he would deal only with Florentino Perez, the club president, and no one else in the administration.

Champions League: The Unfinished Business

During his first stint between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho restored Real Madrid to Champions League contention after the team had been eliminated in the round of 16 for several consecutive seasons. Under his leadership, the club reached the semi-finals three times in a row, coming close to the final on each occasion. Mourinho dreams of leading Real Madrid to the Champions League title, completing the mission he failed to finish during his first tenure.

Breaking Barcelona’s Dominance Again

Barcelona has reasserted its domestic dominance over the last two seasons, winning La Liga twice, the Spanish Super Cup twice, and the Copa del Rey once. Florentino Perez hopes Mourinho can break this dominance again, just as he did during his first period when he snatched La Liga from Barcelona’s golden generation with a record 100 points, along with the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup—both won after defeating the traditional rival.

The Domestic Double

Winning both La Liga and the Copa del Rey in a single season is one of Mourinho’s potential key objectives with Real Madrid, especially since he would find a squad packed with high-quality players capable of achieving major feats.