Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho could be reportedly set for a shock return to Real Madrid, as pressure continues to mount on Julen Lopetegui.
As per a sensational report from Spanish outlet Don Balon, Real Madrid are eyeing former manager and current Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho as a replacement for Julen Lopetegui.
Real Madrid appointed Lopetegui only this summer, after Zinedine Zidane decided to vacate the managerial post, having led the Merengues to a hat-trick of UEFA Champions League trophies. Things did not start all too well for the former Spain head coach, as Real were beaten by neighbours Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.
However, things seemed to have taken a turn for the better, as Real Madrid began their La Liga campaign on a positive note, with the likes of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema showing signs of form. But, a recent run of disappointing results has meant that Lopetegui finds himself under increasing pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid have lost three of their previous four matches across all competitions (one draw) and have failed to score a single goal in any of those fixtures – the first time Los Blancos have failed to score in four consecutive matches since way back in 1985.
It is believed that the upcoming El Clasico at the end of the month could decide the future of the Basque coach. And should results fail to get better, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is lining up a sensational move for Mourinho.
It is no secret that the Portuguese finds himself under intense pressure at Manchester United, following their tumultuous start to the new campaign. Given the fractious nature of his relationship with some of the squad members and chief executive Ed Woodward, coupled with the dull style of play at the club, there is a general feeling that the former Real boss is living on borrowed time.
Naturally, there were plenty of rumours that the 55-year-old would be getting the sack this past weekend after a run of four games without a win, with Zidane coincidentally the man tipped to replace him in the dugout at Old Trafford.
However, a terrific 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle United on Saturday seems to have earned Mourinho more time to get things in order at the club.
Mourinho has managed Real Madrid before between 2010 and 2013, when he managed to win a La Liga title and a Copa Del Rey trophy and maintained a 71.9% win record (W128 D28 L22). Things did not end too well for the Portuguese at the Bernabeu, however, as he fell out with a number of senior players at the club, which ultimately led to his departure.
Mourinho has spoken previously of his desire to stay at Manchester United for a long time, but if things fail to improve, he might find himself out of a job very soon. And while he may have left Real Madrid on a sour note, he still enjoys a healthy relationship with club president Perez, which could pave way for a shock return to the Spanish capital.
All in all, testing times lie ahead of for both Mourinho and Lopetegui, as they look to turn around the fortunes of their respective clubs, with their jobs on the line. Who knows, one under fire boss might end up replacing the other at Real Madrid.
