Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid is actively navigating its managerial future, with reports indicating that Jose MourinhoCoach·Jose Mourinho is the overwhelming favourite to return to the Santiago BernabéuVenue·Santiago Bernabéu. However, the club is also prudently evaluating a backup option in former Bundesliga coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, ensuring strategic depth in their search for a new leader.
Mourinho, who previously managed Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations for his second spell at the club. An official announcement regarding his potential return could materialise as early as next week, according to sources. The Portuguese coach is currently under contract with BenficaTeam·Benfica until 2027, though his agreement includes a €3 million release clause, facilitating a potential move. Despite the strong indications, the prospect of Mourinho's return has not been universally welcomed, with former Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid captain Iker CasillasPlayer·Iker Casillas publicly stating his belief that other coaches would be more suitable for the club's direction.
Should the pursuit of Mourinho falter, Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid has identified Pellegrino Matarazzo as a viable alternative. The 48-year-old American coach has garnered praise for his "fundamental, highly modern approach to the game" during his tenures with VfB StuttgartTeam·VfB Stuttgart and TSG HoffenheimTeam·Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. Matarazzo currently manages Real SociedadTeam·Real Sociedad, having joined them in December 2025, and is under contract until 2027. His recent achievement includes guiding Real SociedadTeam·Real Sociedad to a Copa del ReyCompetition·Copa del Rey victory, which secured a spot in next season's UEFA Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League, despite the club's current eighth-place standing in La LigaCompetition·La Liga. Despite his credentials and reported appreciation at the Bernabéu, a move for Matarazzo to Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid is considered unlikely at this juncture.
The managerial search comes at a critical time for Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid, following a disappointing 2025/26 season that saw the club finish without a single trophy. Álvaro ArbeloaCoach·Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over as head coach in January 2026, replacing Xabi AlonsoCoach·Xabi Alonso, has publicly affirmed his commitment to the club for as long as he is desired, focusing on helping the players achieve success. However, club President FlorentinoPlayer·Florentino Pérez is reportedly evaluating several candidates to take the helm permanently.
Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid concluded the La LigaCompetition·La Liga season in second place, a significant 11 points behind champions BarcelonaTeam·Barcelona. Their recent league form included a 2-0 loss to BarcelonaTeam·Barcelona on May 10, 2026, a 2-0 victory against EspanyolTeam·Espanyol on May 3, 2026, a 1-1 draw with Real BetisTeam·Real Betis on April 24, 2026, and a 2-1 win against Alavés on April 21, 2026. In the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League, the club exited at the quarter-final stage after a defeat to Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich. Their European campaign also saw them suffer a 2-4 loss against BenficaTeam·Benfica in the group stage in January, though they secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate win over Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City in March. Beyond league and European competition, Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid also exited the Copa del ReyCompetition·Copa del Rey in the Round of 16 and finished as runners-up in the Supercopa de España.
The club's comprehensive search for a new manager underscores its determination to revitalise the squad and reclaim its position at the pinnacle of European football in the upcoming season, addressing the shortcomings of a trophyless campaign.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates scoring against SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. (Anadolu Agency/IMAGO)
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