Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas has voiced his disapproval of José Mourinho’s potential return to the club, suggesting that a different manager would be a better fit.
British outlet TeamTalk reported on Wednesday that Mourinho’s comeback to Real Madrid is nearing, but it has drawn sharp criticism from the club’s legendary goalkeeper.
Currently in charge of Benfica in Portugal, Mourinho has one year left on his contract but is expected to activate a release clause to leave at the end of the season. Real Madrid is viewed as his likely next destination, with club president Florentino Pérez reportedly involved in the selection process. The BBC also reported on Tuesday that Mourinho is in final negotiations for a return to the Santiago Bernabéu, 13 years after his departure. During his previous stint from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho led Real Madrid to one La Liga title, one Supercopa, and one Copa del Rey before stepping down due to poor results and clashes with players.
The club’s interest in Mourinho is believed to stem from his ability to control the dressing room. Real Madrid has gone two consecutive seasons without a trophy, and reports of locker room conflicts involving Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni have surfaced. Recently, Valverde and Tchouaméni were fined after a physical altercation. TeamTalk noted that Mourinho has ample experience in managing such issues.
However, Casillas holds a different opinion. In a recent social media post regarding Mourinho’s potential appointment, he wrote, “I have no problem with Mourinho.
