Real Madrid want Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to replace Julen Lopetegui, according to former club president Ramon Calderon
As reported by Daily Mirror, former Real Madrid president has claimed that Los Blancos are looking to raid Manchester United for Jose Mourinho following Julen Lopetegui’s sacking. The Portuguese has his own future up in the air at Old Trafford.
Julen Lopetegui only joined Real Madrid this past summer following the shock departure of Zinedine Zidane. The early signs had been ominous under the former Spain head coach as a slow pre-season was followed by defeat in the UEFA Super Cup against bitter local rivals Atletico Madrid.
But, it looked like those fears were unfounded as Real Madrid made a solid start to their La Liga campaign, separated from Barcelona by just goal difference after the first month. Things soon started unravelling, however, as a run of winless results, in addition to their worst ever goal drought, heaped the pressure on Lopetegui.
Things finally came to a head following the 5-1 defeat to Barcelona this past weekend, which ultimately cost Lopetegui his job as the manager. With Real Madrid now in search of a new head coach once again, several names have been linked with the top job, the latest being Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho’s own job at Manchester United is under threat following an indifferent start to the season. The Red Devils are placed 8th on the Premier League table and have already been booted out of the EFL Cup. While Mourinho will get a chance to get the campaign in order, there is no clarity that he will still be the club’s manager next season.
With his future at Manchester United remains uncertain, his next job could already be round the corner, with former Real Madrid president now claiming that the European champions indeed have their sights set on their former manager.
“Mourinho is the only coach Perez has respected up to now. He gave him all the power for the first time in his life, which was very unusual. It’s true that he’s been in touch with Jose in the last few years trying to bring him here again, but being with Man United I think now it’s not possible.”
“If he leaves Manchester United I’m sure he’ll be here again. I’m sure the president is thinking of Mourinho. He is always the coach he would like to have at Real, but he’s with Man United now.”
Calderon’s comments suggest that Mourinho could get an offer from Real Madrid if he were to be unemployed. But, a move back to the Bernabeu depends entirely on his future at Manchester United.
Mourinho has previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 till 2013 and achieved a great deal of success, having won the La Liga title as well as the Copa Del Rey. Despite his stint at the Bernabeu ending in a fractious manner, the Manchester United boss seems to be a popular target to return to the Spanish capital.
However, Mourinho has, time and again, iterated his desire to remain at Manchester United. And, with Real Madrid in an immediate need of a new manager – Santiago Solari has only taken temporary charge of Los Blancos – a move back to the Bernabeu seems unlikely as of now.
However, it remains to be seen if Real Madrid are able to re-sign Mourinho, or turn their attention elsewhere in search of an immediate appointment.
