Florentino Perez reveals that he has not yet spoken with Mourinho about Arbeloa.

Florentino Pérez leaves Real Madrid in suspense: Mourinho has yet to discuss returning to replace Arbeloa

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has created a genuine mystery by revealing that he has not yet spoken with José Mourinho about the possibility of the coach returning to the club to replace Álvaro Arbeloa at the helm. The media had almost confirmed the hiring of the former manager, who led the team between 2010 and 2013, but Pérez is keeping his cards close to his chest, even suggesting that there is another name on the table.

Mourinho, who led Real Madrid to win LaLiga in the 2011-12 season, breaking Barcelona’s dominance under Guardiola, is seen by many as the ideal savior for a team mired in chaos after a trophyless season marked by internal conflicts among players in recent weeks. However, the Madrid president did not confirm anything: “I’m thinking about it,” he said in an interview with RTVE. “I have two names in mind. Mourinho? He’s a good coach, clearly. But I’m not going to announce anything because I haven’t spoken with him yet.”

The possible appointment of Mourinho may depend on the outcome of the club’s presidential elections, scheduled for June 7. Pérez took the opportunity to attack his main opponent, Enrique Riquelme, comparing him to Ramón Calderón, the former president whose term was marred by a vote manipulation scandal, although he won two leagues between 2006 and 2009.

“ I love Real Madrid, and when I feel that there are attempts to destabilize the club, here I am,” Pérez stated. “I have detected a dark movement that tries to destabilize the club through me. Since I still believe in the members, I called for elections. And when I analyze the other candidacy, I see that they are the same people from the Calderón era, the darkest period in the history of Real Madrid. Moreover, they say that this man [Riquelme] made a loan with an annual interest rate of 54%. How can anyone ask for that? I am not making this up. It seems he came here because he needs the club for his businesses.”

With these statements, Pérez not only keeps the suspense about the future coach but also raises doubts about the integrity of the opposing candidacy, promising a fierce battle until the elections. Real Madrid is at a critical moment, and the choice of coach will be decisive for the immediate future of the Spanish champions. Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this saga that could forever change the course of the merengues.

This article first appeared on [Apito Final](https://apitofinal.pt/).