Real Madrid target Jose Mourinho return amid dressing room crisis
Real Madrid are reportedly on the verge of reappointing Jose Mourinho as manager in a bid to resolve a deepening club crisis.
The Spanish giants have been in discussions with the Portuguese manager for several months following the departure of Xabi Alonso.
A £2.5m release clause in his current Benfica contract would allow the 61-year-old to complete a sensational return to the Bernabeu.
Club president Florentino Perez views the two-time Champions League winner as the ideal candidate to restore discipline to a fractured squad.
Dressing room unrest and Mbappe friction
The push for a new managerial approach follows two successive seasons without silverware for the 15-time European champions.
Tensions have escalated significantly behind the scenes, culminating in a violent training ground altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
The physical confrontation reportedly left the Uruguayan midfielder requiring hospital treatment and has deeply divided the playing staff.
Furthermore, the influence of star forward Kylian Mbappe has become a major source of frustration among the fanbase.
A risky reunion for Perez
More than 70,000 supporters have recently signed a petition demanding the French World Cup winner be sold.
The former Paris St-Germain striker worsened his standing by travelling to Sardinia for a holiday while ostensibly recovering from a hamstring injury.
Mourinho previously managed Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013, winning one La Liga title during a tenure heavily defined by internal controversies.
Despite recent spells at Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce, and Benfica bringing mixed results, Perez believes Mourinho’s authoritative style is now essential.
The Real Madrid hierarchy expects the experienced tactician to implement strict emotional control and forge a renewed identity.