25 Apr 2026 08:55 BST |
4 min read
Jose Mourinho has been linked with a return to big-time management with both Chelsea and Real Madrid, but these two giants have been told not to consider the Portuguese.
Mourinho has had successful stints at both the Blues and Los Blancos in his career, and with the two clubs in need of experienced management, both have been cautiously tipped to make a return for the 63-year-old manager.
Ex-Real Madrid star Guti has told them not to bother.
“Mourinho is a great coach, but frankly I think he’s past his best now. He comes from Fenerbahce, he took over Benfica at a very bad time,” the ex-Spain midfielder explained on DAZN.
“I think there are coaches in better shape than Mourinho or that I would sign.”
Mourinho’s difficult season
Mourinho has endured a turbulent season that started in Turkey with Fenerbahce. This was quickly ended after Champions League elimination at the hands of Benfica, who he would join up with in September.
He has overseen 41 matches, but despite going undefeated in Liga Portugal, his Benfica side are poised to miss out on the title to Porto and could even finish third behind Sporting CP.
Nevertheless, the know-how and personality of Mourinho are attributes that some believe would help elevate his former clubs.
Chelsea and Real Madrid studying managerial options
Chelsea, in particular, are set to make a push for greater experience this summer, both in terms of their recruitment and in the dugout. The Blues’ decision to appoint Liam Rosenior proved to be an ill-fated one, with the Stamford Bridge side now admitting that they need a more experienced figure to lead their side.
Such figures are thin on the ground as the World Cup looms. The likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel and even Julian Nagelsmann are all committed to roles until mid-July, by which time pre-season has started.
Real Madrid have a similar issue with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, whose position is becoming close to untenable following a 1-1 draw with Real Betis that effectively ends any title hopes they had.
Both clubs are in a state of desperation, but even with this in mind, Mourinho is not an option that either should be studying, Guti claims.
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