Jose Mourinho leads Real Madrid manager search ahead of Jurgen Klopp
Real Madrid have identified Jose Mourinho as their primary managerial target for the summer, despite persistent links to former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
The Spanish giants are seeking a permanent head coach after parting ways with Xabi Alonso in January.
Alvaro Arbeloa has taken interim charge of the senior squad since stepping up from the Castilla reserve team.
Los Blancos are enduring a difficult campaign and trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by 14 points with only five matches remaining.
Perez pushes for Mourinho return
Club president Florentino Perez is reportedly driving the push to bring the current Benfica head coach back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho is considered the clear frontrunner for the vacant position ahead of the upcoming summer window.
While Klopp holds longstanding admiration from the Madrid hierarchy, the German recently signed a four-year deal as Red Bull’s head of global football.
Klopp content with Red Bull role
The 56-year-old stepped down from his Anfield role at the end of the 2023-24 season due to exhaustion from the immense demands of club management.
“Perez wants Mourinho, and if he gets his way, there is a concrete chance, therefore, that this move happens.”
– Ben Jacobs, Senior Football Correspondent
It is understood that the former Borussia Dortmund manager remains hesitant about returning to a traditional dugout.
“Klopp has had longstanding admiration from the Real hierarchy, but has consistently said that he doesn’t even know if he’s going to take a club job again, and he’s quite happy at Red Bull.”
– Ben Jacobs, Senior Football Correspondent
Pochettino remains an alternative option
Mauricio Pochettino has also been discussed internally as a potential candidate by the Madrid board.
The Argentine tactician is currently managing the United States national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Despite having alternative options, Perez remains resolute in his desire to secure his preferred candidate to rebuild the squad.
All current indications suggest the Portuguese manager is the overwhelming favorite to take charge ahead of the new season.