José Mourinho returns to Real Madrid after rejecting Portugal job

José Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid as manager, reportedly rejecting an offer to lead the Portugal national team to accept the call from club president Florentino Pérez. The decision occurred while Mourinho was managing Benfica; Real Madrid paid his release clause to facilitate the move.

Following the departure of Roberto Martínez, the Portuguese Football Federation had entered discussions with Mourinho regarding the national team vacancy. However, Mourinho opted to return to the Bernabéu to lead a Real Madrid side that had gone two seasons without a trophy. Portugal subsequently appointed Jorge Jesus, who has since led the team to victories over Wales and Norway.

Mourinho’s second tenure at Real Madrid has faced early challenges, with the team currently sitting six points behind league leaders Barcelona after losses to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid. To address squad depth and defensive issues caused by injuries to players like Raul Asencio and Eder Militão, Mourinho has reportedly requested the club break its tradition of not making winter transfers to sign an additional central defender in January.