Benfica confirms transfer: José Mourinho returns to Real Madrid as head coach

Sporting background: Crisis at the record champion

The move comes amid a turbulent sporting environment at the Spanish record champion: "In der Königsklasse war der Hauptstadt-Club im Viertelfinale am FC Bayern München gescheitert", and "in der Meisterschaft hatte man wieder gegen Erzrivale FC Barcelona das Nachsehen". "Real war mit dem früheren Leverkusener Meistertrainer Xabi Alonso in die Saison gestartet", but "nach einem halben Jahr musste der langjährige Mittelfeldstar aber wieder gehen". The reasons were apparently internal tensions: "Immer wieder war über Differenzen mit Starspielern wie dem exzentrischen Vinícius Junior berichtet worden."

Alonso was followed by Álvaro Arbeloa, who was likewise unable to stabilize the team. In the facts it is stated: "der die Königlichen nicht zurück in die Erfolgsspur führen konnte und am Ende ohne Titel blieb". "Arbeloa hatte seinen Abgang schon im Mai verkündet", "nun machte ihn auch der Club offiziell". Mourinho thus takes over from his compatriot.

Pérez and the presidential election

Mourinho comes directly from Lisbon: "Mourinho, der in der abgelaufenen Saison Benfica betreute". At Benfica he had only recently signed and managed the team in the past season. Now that engagement ends after just a few months. The Portuguese coach is considered an experienced "Trainerroutinier", having already worked at several top European clubs.

Politically, the personnel matter is linked to the recent presidential election at Real Madrid. "Nach der Bestätigung von Real-Präsident Florentino Pérez im Amt bei der Wahl am vergangenen Sonntag" the club can now set a new sporting course. Pérez "setzte sich mit rund 65 Prozent der Stimmen durch". It is also noteworthy: "der sich erstmals seit langem wieder einem Gegenkandidaten stellen musste". Pérez is considered a "großer Anhänger des Trainerroutiniers" – the signing of Mourinho thus fits into his long-term plan.

Mourinho's profile and outlook

The "79 Jahre alte Baumagnat Pérez" has for many years been one of the defining figures in European football. With Mourinho's return, he is apparently hoping for a sporting turnaround after Real Madrid had fallen short of expectations both domestically and internationally. The club responded to a sporting stagnation that was made evident by the early exit from the Champions League and once again coming off second best against FC Barcelona in La Liga.

With Mourinho, a coach known for clear hierarchical structures and tactical discipline takes over. His early stints at major clubs were always marked by intense media attention, and that is unlikely to be any different at Real Madrid. Whether this second attempt will go better than the end of his first stint between 2010 and 2013 will become clear in the coming months.

With the announcement of Álvaro Arbeloa's departure and the confirmation of Mourinho, Real Madrid has made a clear break. The club is betting on a coach with vast experience and a proven winner's mentality, even though his first Madrid period had not been remembered entirely positively.