[MyDaily = Reporter Noh Chan-hyuk] José Mourinho — the \"Special One\" and Benfica manager — is increasingly being linked to a return to Real Madrid.
Spanish outlet AS reported on the 7th (Korean time) that Real's biggest off-season question is who will lead the team next year. With Álvaro Arbeloa's chances of remaining gone, Mourinho has emerged as the standout candidate.
Mourinho first announced himself on the European stage by guiding Porto to a UEFA Champions League title. He moved to Chelsea in 2004, captured back-to-back Premier League crowns, and quickly established himself among Europe's elite coaches.
After delivering a treble with Inter Milan in 2009–10, he took over at Real Madrid in 2010. During that spell he collected three trophies, including the 2011–12 La Liga title, when Real became the first side to reach 100 points.
He returned to Chelsea to reclaim the Premier League and later led Manchester United to a UEFA Europa League title. At Tottenham, he developed a close bond with Son Heung-min (now at LAFC), even calling Son one of the world's best players.
Mourinho then steered AS Roma to the inaugural UEFA Conference League crown, becoming the first manager to win all three major UEFA club competitions. Now at Benfica, he continues to demonstrate a commanding presence and has attracted a serious push from his former club, Real Madrid.
Real's situation has deteriorated this season. The campaign began under Xabi Alonso, but he was dismissed after a run of poor results. Interim boss Álvaro Arbeloa failed to spark a turnaround, leaving the club effectively trophyless. Compounding the crisis, reports of a near-physical altercation in the squad have exposed deep locker-room divisions and sunk team morale.
Real believes Mourinho's strong charisma and ability to command a dressing room make him the right man to restore order. AS reports that within the club, many view Mourinho as the best candidate to bring the necessary locker-room changes.
Benfica reportedly offered Mourinho a contract extension to keep him, but he declined, increasing the likelihood of a move to Real. Benfica now appears to be preparing for his departure.
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