‘My project is completely different’: Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme casts doubt over Jose Mourinho return

Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has cast major doubt over Jose Mourinho’s emotional return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

After a second consecutive campaign without getting their hands on a major trophy, Madrid president Florentino Perez opted for a change in the dugout.

Mourinho had already agreed an initial two-year contract to replace Alvaro Arbeloa and help Los Blancos wrestle the La Liga title from the claws of fierce rivals Barcelona.

However, the club’s first major presidential election in 20 years has threatened to sabotage that deal.

For the first time since 2006, Madrid’s club membership is set to vote for a new leader, with Riquelme set to take on sitting president Perez.

Perez has not had to go through a proper election since he returned to power at the Bernabeu in 2009 for his second stint as Madrid president.

That autonomy is now set to be challenged by Riquelme, who has made it clear that he has very different plans for Madrid’s long-term future.

When asked if he would stick with Mourinho as Madrid manager, Riquelme told The Athletic: “I cannot comment on someone when I do not even know whether he is actually involved or not (with Perez). 

“My project is a different one entirely, so those questions should be directed to whoever is speaking with him.”

He went further to clarify that he wants a manager who aligns with the club’s long-term project and one whose appointment will generate plenty of excitement.

When asked if this candidate had previously worked at Madrid, Riquelme’s response effectively ruled out Mourinho, who managed Los Blancos for three years between 2010 and 2013.

“No,” Riquelme responded emphatically. “Real Madrid cannot continue operating with short-term thinking. This is a moment for a genuine change of cycle. 

“Of course, everything that has been achieved so far deserves recognition, but our proposal is about building a project for the short, medium and long term under a different model of professionalisation and modernisation.”

Riquelme was further pressed about the possibility of bringing former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp out of retirement. 

While he didn’t completely rule it out, he made it clear that his managerial candidate would be one who has the credentials to manage a club of Madrid’s status.

“We are looking at profiles among the very best coaches in world football,” he said. “People with the level of experience and leadership required to manage a club like Real Madrid. 

“Naturally, I would love for profiles of that calibre, and others like them, to coach this club.”