With Real Madrid eliminated from the Champions League and sitting closer to third-placed Villarreal than La Liga leaders Barcelona, speculation around manager Alvaro Arbeloa's future is growing. Arbeloa took over after Xabi Alonso departed in January but has underperformed, with a win rate of 64% compared to Alonso's 74%. A shock Copa del Rey defeat to second-tier Albacete has further dented his prospects.
One name being floated as a potential replacement is former Real boss Jose Mourinho, currently managing Benfica in Portugal. Mourinho led Real from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague explains that while Mourinho is liked by president Florentino Perez, the timing may not be right.
Perez prioritizes winning and managing egos over style of play. The club has a tension between those advocating for a tactical organizer (like Rafa Benitez or Julen Lopetegui) and those favoring a grand manager who commands respect, like Zinedine Zidane or Carlo Ancelotti. With Alonso gone, the latter camp has prevailed, and Mourinho fits that profile. However, his current role at Benfica and the timing of Real's search make his return a long shot for now.