JOSE MOURINHO is being lined up with a shock return to Real Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti departs, reports claim.
The legendary Portuguese boss is currently into his second season as boss of Roma, the latest job in his two decade long managerial career.
He left Real Madrid in 2013 after a largely successful but controversial reign at the helm of one of Spain’s biggest clubs.
And 10 years on he is being tipped as a potential option to take over at the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti’s future is uncertain with the Italian manager repeatedly linked with the Brazil international job.
And Mundo Deportivo report that Madrid club president Florentino Perez is already drawing up options in case they need a replacement.
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Along with Mourinho, the likes of former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino are believed to be in contention.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and highly-rated Eintracht Frankfurt head coach Oliver Glasner are also reportedly among the names being considered, as well as another potential returnee in Zinedine Zidane.
Mourinho joined Real Madrid in 2010 after leaving Inter Milan.
He would win only the Copa del Rey during his first season as he crossed swords with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola for the first time.
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But in his second year at Madrid he would not only win the league but break records for most points, most goals, best goal difference, most away wins and most overall wins.
The Champions League would elude him during his three years at Madrid and the club have gone on to win Europe’s grandest competition a staggering five times since his departure.
Ancelotti, the mastermind of the most recent Champions League victory, appears increasingly likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson even spoke confidently about the Italian taking over his country of Brazil in recent days.
After reporting for international duty, the 29-year-old said: “I spoke to Casemiro, Vinicius and Militao… there’s a big possibility that Carlo Ancelotti is gonna become the new coach of Brazil.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
