Jose Mourinho considers Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho as assistants

Jose Mourinho will return as manager of Real Madrid, replacing Alvaro Arbeloa. The appointment follows a decision by club president Florentino Perez, who emphasized the need for a successful and experienced name. Mourinho's comeback comes after a chaotic end to the season. Mourinho has indicated he wants a recognised assistant with tactical understanding and dressing‑room respect. In his first spell at Real Madrid, he placed former player Aitor Karanka as his second. He now seeks a similar figure from the club’s own history.

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Former Real Madrid defender Pepe is being considered for the role, though he is not the frontrunner. Former Real Madrid and Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho is viewed as the more preferred internal candidate. Carvalho’s availability is uncertain because he is currently Roberto Martinez’s assistant with the Portuguese national team at the FIFA World Cup. Alvaro Arbeloa was also mentioned as a possible deputy, given his recent first‑team manager stint. However, his desire to pursue a managerial career away from the club makes that option unlikely.