# Jose Mourinho management at Real Madrid > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jose-mourinho-management-at-real-madrid > Updated: 2026-09-26T07:35:44.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly issued an ultimatum to manager Jose Mourinho following a period of poor performance. With the team in fourth place in La Liga, leadership indicated that Mourinho must return the squad to a winning trajectory by Christmas to avoid contract termination. Following this pressure, Mourinho has called for increased trust and discipline within the squad. In an interview with the Bet It Drives Show, he warned players against betrayal, stating, “Don’t betray me. When I say don’t betray me, of course I am talking about football. Don’t betray me, and I will always be there for you.” He further emphasized that strict rules, such as punctuality, apply to all players regardless of their status. This second tenure, which began in the summer of 2026 on a three-year contract, has faced immediate tactical struggles. After seven matches, the club sits in fourth place with 15 points, trailing league leaders Barcelona by six points. A recent 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid highlighted issues regarding midfield control and the integration of key players including Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr, and Jude Bellingham. The squad has conceded eight goals in seven games, prompting concerns over defensive fragility. Mourinho’s return was reportedly facilitated by Perez to stabilize the club, leading the manager to decline a potential role with the Portuguese national team. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Real Madrid faces early challenges under José Mourinho José Mourinho faces early challenges in his return to Real Madrid, with the club sitting fourth in La Liga following a loss to Atlético Madrid and a six-point gap behind Barcelona. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jose-mourinho-demands-discipline-at-real-madrid ### 2026-09-22: Real Madrid president issues ultimatum to Jose Mourinho Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly given Jose Mourinho until Christmas to improve results or face contract termination following a poor start to the season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-president-issues-ultimatum-to-jose-mourinho --- Cite as: Jose Mourinho management at Real Madrid. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jose-mourinho-management-at-real-madrid