Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid as head coach sparks mixed fan reactions

Jose Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid as a head coach under a two-year verbally agreed contract.

As per sources speaking to ESPN, the Portuguese manager has reportedly bid farewell at his current club, Benfica

Real Madrid is going all its hopes on Mourinho, expecting the veteran coach to spark a turnaround after the Spanish club endured a rare slump of two consecutive seasons without clinching a major trophy.

While the deal is verbally locked in, the official contract between Mourinho and Spanish club authorities has yet to be signed.

As he is going to leave Benfica, the Portuguese club will receive €7 million ($8m) in compensation, as he has a contract at Benfica until 2027.

According to a major report from the Spanish radio station COPE, Real Madrid has verbally accepted this exact list of demands from Jose Mourinho to pave the way for his dramatic return to the club.

As per reported demands, he will have the authority to determine the player positions and transfer targets. The club management will be restricted in meddling affairs related to team training.

He specifically requested not to be obligated to attend unnecessary or "pointless" press conferences and is allowed to bring his own coaching staff.

The announcement of joining Real Madrid has taken the internet by storm, drawing mixed reactions from fans.

One fan commented, “I hope he is aware that managing real Madrid is about managing egos and big personalities in football.”

Another one wrote, “One of the best ever, wonderful job at Benfica.”

The third one praised him in such words, “He is one of the top managers to not win a UCL title with Madrid, seems like he has come back to win it.”

“Mourinho..the special one. I really want him to get victor osimhen to real Madrid. I also want to see how he will manage the bulk of talent in Madrid from being individuals to being a team,” the fourth one commented.

Some fans from the football world called this change a mistake as one user stated, “I respect the legacy, but hiring Jose again is a mistake. I am curious why fans believe dated tactics will work in 2026. He will not make any difference. This is just drama for a club that needs stability. It is a step backward.”