Mourinho's 10 Conditions for Real Madrid Return Revealed

Spanish outlet ESdiario has detailed the ten demands José Mourinho has set for returning to Real Madrid as head coach, replacing Álvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa’s tenure appears to be nearing its end at the Santiago Bernabéu following the loss of the La Liga title to Barcelona and an early exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich.

The Portuguese manager has outlined his requirements during negotiations marked by sporting pressure, squad planning, and complete control over the project. Institutional pressure is mounting to finalize the identity of the new coach as quickly as possible.

Florentino Pérez held a video conference lasting nearly an hour with Mourinho, currently coaching Benfica, with agent Jorge Mendes also present. The Real Madrid president, known as "The Shark," is pushing for the return of "The Special One" to take charge of the first team starting June 30.

According to the same source, the conversation did not end with the Portuguese’s agreement. Instead, he laid out ten conditions that must be fully accepted before any commitment. These terms are non-negotiable: either accepted in full or Mourinho rejects the offer.

Key Demands from the Portuguese Coach

• Contract length: He wants a deal for only two seasons, until 2028, with no long-term or short-term obligations.
• Media communication: He refuses to act as the club’s spokesperson, limiting his comments strictly to technical matters.
• Squad freedom: He will not accept any interference in his selections; any player who is not committed will not play, regardless of their name.
• Personal coaching staff: He will bring his entire staff, with the possibility of including Álvaro Arbeloa.
• Departure of Antonio Pintus: He demands the fitness coach leave due to the team’s injury problems.
• Medical protocol: He insists on a "second medical opinion" for injury diagnoses to avoid errors.
• Squad overhaul: He is calling for the departure of seven players who do not fit his project.
• Direct communication with the president: He wants to deal directly with Florentino Pérez without administrative intermediaries.
• Cancellation of summer tours: He rejects commercial tours in America and Asia to avoid fatigue.
• Non-negotiable package: All points form a single package; any rejection means the deal collapses.