Jose Mourinho has been linked with a shock return to Real Madrid after admitting a preference for the club in their upcoming Champions League tie against Chelsea.
Mourinho continued his perfect European record as Roma boss last month as they marched past Real Sociedad in the Europa League to move through to the last eight. Having won the Europa Conference League in his first campaign in the Italian capital, he now has Europe’s second most prestigious continental trophy in his sights.
The Portuguese boss has been linked with a shock third spell at Stamford Bridge after the Blues sacked Graham Potter but he has already expressed his hope that the club exit the Champions League at the quarter-final stage against Madrid, another of his former clubs.
The Spanish giants advanced through to the last eight of the competition with a convincing 6-2 aggregate victory over Liverpool. They are aiming to successfully defend their Champions League crown having won the trophy last season.
A report on Spanish radio station Cadena Ser has outlined how Mourinho is a candidate to return to Real Madrid this summer. It comes amid the growing uncertainty over Carlo Ancelotti’s position, with the Italian open to ending his spell in Madrid to become the Brazil national team boss.
That situation complicates the managerial pursuits of Chelsea and Tottenham, who have similar preferences as Real Madrid would, should their job become available. Mauricio Pochettino is another name who is likely to be on the radar of all three clubs.
Have Your Say! What club should Mourinho be managing next season? Tell us what you think here.
Mourinho coached Madrid between 2010 and 2013, while last month he spoke about his happiness at their progress past Liverpool and hopes they win the competition. He also spoke about his great friendship with Madrid boss Ancelotti, his long-term contemporary.
“There is a club that is close to my heart and there is a manager who is my friend,” Mourinho explained on Thursday night after his side progressed past Real Sociedad in the Europa League. “Real Madrid are great and Carlo Ancelotti is great! Hopefully, they will go on in this way to win the final.”
His comments may prove striking to Chelsea, whom Mourinho twice managed and won three Premier League titles with. The Blues remain in the Champions League having eliminated Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16, but the Portuguese did not mention them in his Madrid praise.
