A potential return of José Mourinho to Real Madrid could be thrown into uncertainty following fresh claims tied to the club’s upcoming presidential election.
According to reports, presidential hopeful Enrique Riquelme has indicated that if he succeeds current club president Florentino Pérez, he would not appoint Mourinho as manager despite speculation linking the Portuguese coach to a return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Riquelme reportedly made the position clear in comments to The Athletic, stressing that his project would prioritise long-term restructuring over short-term decisions.
“My coach has not already worked for Real Madrid,” Riquelme said, suggesting his preferred candidate would be someone without previous ties to the club.
He further argued that the club must move away from short-term thinking and enter a new cycle of strategic planning.
“Real Madrid cannot continue operating with short-term thinking. This is the time for a genuine change of cycle,” he stated.
Riquelme added that his administration would focus on identifying top managerial profiles in world football with strong leadership and long-term vision.
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“We are looking at profiles among the very best coaches in the world, people with the level of experience and leadership needed to manage Real Madrid,” he said.
He also revealed that he has already reached an agreement with a coach currently employed by another club, though he declined to disclose the identity.
“I have reached an agreement with a coach who currently manages another team,” Riquelme added, fuelling further speculation over who could take charge if he wins the election.
The development has cast fresh uncertainty over Mourinho’s reported interest in a sensational return to Madrid, where he previously managed the club during a highly eventful spell.
The final outcome now appears to hinge on the club’s upcoming presidential election and the direction the future leadership chooses to take.