A recent video call lasting approximately thirty minutes has brought José Mourinho and Real Madrid back into contact, according to a report from the Spanish newspaper Sport. The conversation, which took place between the current Benfica manager and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, centered on the possibility of Mourinho returning to the Santiago Bernabéu dugout for the upcoming season. This potential move comes as the club seeks to move past a disappointing and tension-filled campaign.
During the discussion, Mourinho, who previously managed the Spanish giants from 2010 to 2013, reportedly laid out a series of five specific conditions that would need to be met for him to take the job. These demands cover a range of areas, from the structure of his contract to the composition of the backroom staff, indicating a desire for clear boundaries and control should he return to the Spanish capital.
The first condition presented by the Portuguese coach concerns the length of his contract. Mourinho is said to be seeking a commitment of at least two years, mirroring the duration of his initial spell with the club. This request is not seen as a major hurdle, as President Perez has a history of offering similar-term deals, as was the case with former manager Xabi Alonso.
A second key demand focuses on Mourinho's role and public profile. He reportedly insists on being solely the head coach, explicitly rejecting any expectation to act as a spokesperson for the club with the media. This stance is believed to be a reaction to the experiences of his predecessors, Carlo Ancelotti and current interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who faced criticism for their public comments on non-sporting matters.
Furthermore, Mourinho is seeking absolute independence in his sporting domain. He wants a clear division of responsibilities where Florentino Perez manages the club's business affairs while he has full authority over the dressing room and on-pitch decisions. This condition is noted as potentially complex given the president's well-known tendency to involve himself in sporting matters, often advocating for the inclusion of star players at the expense of tactical balance.
The fourth condition relates to the club's medical department. Mourinho is aware that some players have not been comfortable with the current medical staff and wants to implement a protocol that allows for a second medical opinion if a player requests it. He also desires a direct line of communication with the medical services and wants to be present in meetings between the doctors and the players.
The final and most significant condition involves the future of fitness coach Antonio Pintus. While Pintus is widely regarded as one of the best in his field globally, Mourinho does not want him on his staff. The report states that Mourinho is unwilling to have anyone close to the president within his immediate working environment, fearing they could act as an informant on his decisions. He demands direct, unfiltered contact with Perez, making the removal of Pintus a non-negotiable point. This is described as the most difficult obstacle to overcome, as Pintus is considered one of Perez's most trusted confidants at the club.
The coming days and weeks will reveal whether Real Madrid is willing to meet these stringent conditions to bring back one of football's most decorated and controversial managers. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.