Thirteen years after his departure, José Mourinho could make a high-profile return to Real Madrid. But the Portuguese manager has no intention of returning in a secondary role. To agree to manage a struggling team, the “Special One” demands very specific guarantees.

The Madrid club is going through a difficult period.

Currently second in La Liga, far behind FC Barcelona, eliminated from the Champions League and defeated in the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid is heading towards another season without a major trophy. This is a rare situation for the club. Faced with this reality, president Florentino Pérez has reportedly taken charge of the search for the next manager, with one idea in mind: to bring back Mourinho. A bold choice, likely to profoundly transform the club's structure.

According to several Spanish media outlets, Mourinho will not be satisfied with a simple return to the Santiago Bernabéu bench. He is demanding a two-year contract, the freedom to assemble his own technical and physical staff, but above all, greater control over the dressing room and sporting decisions. This is a major demand in a club where the president traditionally retains considerable influence.

These demands are also explained by the worrying sporting situation. Over the last two seasons, Real Madrid has reportedly recorded nearly 120 injuries, an unusually high number. The Portuguese manager is particularly concerned about physical preparation and wants to thoroughly overhaul the club's athletic organization. In his view, Real's problems extend far beyond the pitch and require a complete overhaul.

A return for Mourinho would mark a radical turning point after several years of more relaxed management. Known for his direct style, his high standards, and his total control, he remains a prominent figure in the club's recent history, following a first stint between 2010 and 2013, marked by both successes and internal tensions.

This time, the Portuguese manager wants to avoid past mistakes and demands clear support from the board. The paradox is that Real Madrid now seems to be seeking this type of authoritarian figure. But it's a risky gamble: between the strong personalities in the dressing room, the influence of the president, and Mourinho's demands, the slightest disagreement could quickly escalate.

If the Madrid club accepts these conditions, it will not just be a return of a coach, but a real change of direction, with a man to whom the keys to the sporting project will have to be entrusted.