Real Madrid is considering a risky move that could bring back the glory days as they weigh a Mourinho-Arbeloa reunion and uncertain future for Ancelotti.
Real Madrid could be in for a blast from the past with rumours that Jose Mourinho may return as manager, with Alvaro Arbeloa as his no. 2. The idea was floated this week to gauge fans’ reaction and while it would be polarizing, that hasn’t stopped Real before.
If passed over, club legend Raul, now in charge of the B team, will likely seek greener pastures abroad, maybe even in the Premier League. Raul was once tipped as a successor to current boss Carlo Ancelotti but seems to have fallen down the pecking order.
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Meanwhile, Arbeloa, a former loyal player under Mourinho, has shot up as a serious candidate. Since becoming Under-18s coach in 2020 and taking the reins this year, Arbeloa has built an impressive record, losing only once in eight UEFA Youth League matches.
Though Ancelotti has already had huge success in his second spell, including a Champions League and La Liga title last season, his future is uncertain. Despite likely losing La Liga to Barcelona this season, Real are in the Copa del Rey final and Champions League quarterfinals. Ancelotti, who turns 64 this year, says he’s not retiring yet and has been linked to the Brazil job, though he’s under contract for another season.
While Ancelotti admires the Brazilian FA president and his players Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, a move seems unlikely. The president however, is a huge fan of Ancelotti’s honesty, skill and consistency. “Ancelotti is not only the players’ favourite but it seems the fans’ too. Everywhere I go in Brazil, in every stadium, he is the first name the supporters ask me about,” he said.
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If Ancelotti does depart, a Mourinho-Arbeloa partnership, though divisive, could be Real’s dream team. Mourinho’s a proven winner and Arbeloa was his trusted soldier. While Raul is a legend, his lack of top-level experience may have counted against him. A Mourinho return could also persuade stars like Ronaldo to stick around.
Love ’em or hate ’em, Mourinho and Arbeloa seem to have the goods for a Real revival. Though risky, fortune favors the bold, and for a club like Real Madrid, fortune favors success above all else. All signs point to an exciting and eventful summer at the Bernabeu.
