Could Jose Mourinho make shock Real Madrid return?

James Shearman

• Updated: 19 Oct 2023 21:43 BST
• 3 min read

Jose Mourinho is reportedly a candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti as head coach of Real Madrid.

Ancelotti is set to become Brazil national team head coach once his contract expires next year, with the Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues confirming the news in the summer.

As a result, Los Blancos have already started the search for their next managerial appointment.

READ: Real Madrid set to be REJECTED by Serie A star

And, according to Mundo Deportivo, Mourinho's name is being considered for the post.

The 'Special One's' contract at Roma concludes at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, and he is unlikely to sign an extension.

Mourinho previously coached Madrid to the 2011-12 La Liga title and the 2011 Copa del Rey, competing against Pep Guardiola's legendary Barcelona side.

Having few challenges left to take on his career, besides international management, he would surely accept a return to the Santiago Bernabeu next year.

Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid?

While Mourinho is reportedly an option, Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has been identified as Los Blancos’ ideal Ancelotti successor, according to reports in Spain.

The Spaniard spent five years as a player at Real Madrid and has impressed during his time in the dugout at Leverkusen.

However, he was remarkably tight-lipped when asked about the possibility of becoming Los Blancos’ next manager during a recent press conference.

"It's far too early to talk about something like that,” Alonso said. “Bayer 04 is important. That's not an issue - not even in the team. We didn’t talk about it."