Real Madrid set to move ahead with Mourinho appointment despite imminent presidential election

Real Madrid are planning to move ahead with the appointment of Jose Mourinho as the club’s new manager despite the imminent presidential election.

The Athletic claims Mourinho has already agreed to an initial two-year contract, putting him one step away from a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid are desperate for a change in the dugout following another miserable trophyless campaign, which has increased the pressure on their leadership to make significant changes.

Club president Florentino Perez has played a key role in bringing Mourinho back. 

The 79-year-old called a presidential election scheduled for June 7 following the disappointing campaign, and will be rivalled by businessman Enrique Riquelme.

Riquelme is opposed to bringing Mourinho back, making it clear that he doesn’t fit his long-term plans for the club.

However, Madrid are moving ahead with the managerial appointment, and Perez is increasingly confident that he will retain his role as club president.

Discussions have begun regarding Mourinho’s coaching staff, while plans are being made for summer transfer activity as Madrid plan to strengthen their squad ahead of next season.

Mourinho is coming off a two-year spell with Benfica, finishing the just-concluded campaign unbeaten despite failing to win the league title.

Benfica were determined to keep Mourinho and tabled a contract extension, but he wasn’t going to turn down Madrid’s approach.

He delayed making a decision about his future until after the final match of the season, when Benfica claimed a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Estoril.

He had already informed people within Benfica that he intended to leave. Madrid considered several other candidates during their search for a new manager. 

They included Mauricio Pochettino, Massimiliano Allegri, Didier Deschamps and Jurgen Klopp.

However, Mourinho ultimately emerged as the preferred option. His return will bring back memories of his first spell in charge between 2010 and 2013. 

Mourinho guided Madrid to three domestic trophies, including the memorable 2011/12 La Liga title-winning campaign, when the club set a record points total.