Real Madrid would be MAD to reappoint Jose Mourinho! Potential Bernabeu return is damning indictment of Florentino Perez’s desperation

Real Madrid are in trouble. And when Real Madrid are in trouble, Florentino Perez always asks those around him, “Is there anything to be said for bringing back Jose Mourinho?” Why? Because hiring Mourinho worked once before. Kind of. Back in 2010, Madrid had been put in an unbearable position by Barcelona. They weren’t just being beaten by their most hated rivals, they were being embarrassed by them. So, Perez turned to Mourinho, the self-anointed ‘Special One’ who had just upset Pep Guardiola’s pass-masters – in every sense – on his way to winning a European Cup with Inter.

His first Clasico ended in abject humiliation, but Mourinho subsequently managed to get under Guardiola’s skin by somehow increasing the toxicity surrounding one of the most politically-charged and passionately-felt fixtures in world football – and to such an extent that it actually caused divisions within the Spain squad.

Perez clearly feels that there are parallels between now and 2010 – and there are a couple, in fairness. Madrid are once again set to end a second consecutive season without a major trophy – utterly unacceptable at the Bernabeu – and have been eclipsed by a brilliant Barcelona team led by a little, left-footed forward.

However, Mourinho is no longer the man with the Midas touch. He continues to court controversy, but now without collecting trophies. He hasn’t won a league title for 11 years, and his last piece of silverware of any variety was the 2022 Conference League – which is rather indicative of the two-time Champions League winner’s current level.