A Bold Claim in Turkey;
Mourinho as an Alternative to Alonso at Real Madrid!
The Fenerbahce manager, despite falling behind in the Turkish Super Lig, is still considered a high-profile candidate for top clubs, including Real Madrid.
According to reports, Real Madrid’s heavy 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Champions League has once again cast doubt on Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club. Meanwhile, a familiar name has emerged as a potential replacement: Jose Mourinho, the current Fenerbahce manager.
Turkish newspaper Fanatik, citing sources in Spain, claims that some Real Madrid executives believe Ancelotti’s time is up and a managerial change is inevitable. Alongside Xabi Alonso, who is the primary target, Mourinho is also seen as a viable short-term option until Alonso becomes available from Bayer Leverkusen.
The report highlights Mourinho’s ability to instill discipline in the dressing room—an aspect some Real Madrid officials consider crucial. It states: “Real fans know the impact a manager like Mourinho, who demands the most from his players and knows how to extract their potential, can have on the team.”
The article also discusses Mourinho’s tactical approach: “Despite criticism of his defensive style, this very approach could suit a star-studded team with fast attackers like Vinicius, Mbappe, and Rodrygo. A compact defense and low block could maximize their attacking output.”
Jose Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. He was one of the few managers to challenge Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona but failed to win the Champions League with Real.
A potential return after more than a decade, with the aim of securing the trophy he never won with Real—the Champions League—is now one of the intriguing scenarios for Madrid next season. However, given his recent struggles at clubs like Fenerbahce and AS Roma, it seems unlikely.
If this unlikely move happens and Fenerbahce’s managerial seat becomes vacant, Real Madrid might revisit Ismail Kartal, the current Persepolis manager. These are all speculations, but as the summer transfer window approaches, more discussions will follow.