By Ghazali Ibrahim
Former Real Madrid coach José Mourinho is reportedly on the verge of returning to Real Madrid after reaching a verbal agreement with the Spanish giants for a second spell as head coach.
Multiple European media outlets reported on Sunday that Mourinho and Real Madrid have agreed in principle on a two-year contract, with an official announcement expected at the end of the season.
The development comes amid continued instability at the Santiago Bernabéu following the departure of former coach Xabi Alonso earlier this year and a disappointing campaign under interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
According to reports, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has identified Mourinho as the preferred candidate to restore discipline and competitiveness within the squad after a turbulent season marked by dressing-room tensions and inconsistent performances.
Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, won the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup during his first stint with the club. He is widely credited with rebuilding the team that later went on to dominate Europe.
The 63-year-old tactician is currently managing Benfica and remains unbeaten in the Portuguese league this season, although reports suggest he is prepared to leave the club for a return to Madrid.
Real Madrid are yet to officially confirm the agreement, but reports in Spanish and British media indicate negotiations have advanced significantly and only final details remain unresolved.
