Real Madrid could be forced to find a new manager this summer due to the question marks over Carlo Ancelotti's future. As a result, rumors linking the Spanish giants with a move for former manager Jose Mourinho have been doing the rounds.
The Special One spent three tumultuous years in charge of Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013, guiding the club to a historic La Liga title in 2011-12 but failing to win the UEFA Champions League while also falling out with key players in the dressing room.
The Portuguese icon ultimately left for Chelsea by mutual agreement, in the words of president Florentino Perez, and has endured several highs and lows ever since. However, could Mourinho be reunited with Real Madrid next year?
The Roma boss was asked this question by Rai 1, sparking an honest reply from the 60-year-old. Jose played down these rumors, arguing that Los Merengues already have a "super manager" in the form of Ancelotti and have no need for another manager.
"Back to Real Madrid to replace Ancelotti? If you know Florentino [Pérez], and I know him very well, he is super intelligent and has very clear ideas," Mourinho said, as per AS.
"He already has a super manager, why think about another one? As a Madridista, as a man with a white heart, and as an 'Ancelottiano', I hope the season goes fantastically. I am a Madridista and I hope Ancelotti stays there. He is the perfect coach for Real Madrid."
The biggest question mark lingering over Ancelotti's future is whether he will stay beyond his current contract. His deal expires in 2024 and while there have been rumors of an extension, the consensus is that the iconic Italian tactician will leave Santiago Bernabeu to take over the Brazil national team.
Fernando Diniz is currently in charge of the Selecao but on an interim basis, with the belief that Ancelotti will take over once he sees out his Real Madrid contract. However, Mourinho sees no reason for the former AC Milan boss to depart the Spanish capital.
"In my opinion, only a madman would leave Real Madrid when Real Madrid want him. And that madman is me, the only one who, after three years with the president, I loved so much, including José Ángel Sánchez, decided to leave. I am sure that Carlo will stay at Madrid because he is perfect for Real and Real is perfect for him," Jose added.
While Real Madrid are soaring in the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish giants are currently second in La Liga, sitting two points behind surprise leaders Girona. The bigger concern for the club is their injury crisis, with Vinicius Jr. joining Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham on the treatment table — though the latter two should return earlier than the rest.
Meanwhile, Mourinho's Roma are seventh in Serie A with only 18 points, 13 behind current leaders Inter Milan. As a result, the Giallorossi are not expected to challenge for the Scudetto but a push for European football is possible.
