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The Santiago Bernabeu is holding its breath for what could be the most talked-about comeback of the decade. According to an exclusive report by ESdiario, Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez has already made his move. This past Tuesday, May 5, the president held a nearly hour-long videoconference with Jose Mourinho, the current manager of Benfica, with the agent Jorge Mendes also in attendance.
The goal of the meeting was to discuss Mourinho returning to take the reins of Real Madrid’s first team starting June 30. However, the “Special One” hasn’t given his “yes” for free. True to form, the Portuguese manager presented a list of 10 demands that function as an indivisible block; either the club accepts them all, or the project does not happen. There is no room for negotiation.
The 10 non-negotiable demands are the following:
🚨 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: José Mourinho has set several conditions for a potential return to Real Madrid after initial contacts. ⚪🗣️
According to @Ramon_AlvarezMM, the Portuguese coach wants some guarantees. 📋
Mourinho is reportedly asking for:
✔️ A two-year contract
✔️ His own… pic.twitter.com/cMFmr3l3uQ— 433 (@433) May 6, 2026
1-Two-year contract
Mourinho wants a commitment until 2028, avoiding being seen as a temporary fix while allowing time to evaluate results before any potential renewal.
2-Media shielding
Burned out from acting as the club’s spokesperson during his first spell, Mourinho will only speak to the press about football matters. He demands the club appoint a separate representative for institutional issues.
3-Total tactical control
He will not tolerate interference in his lineups. If a player does not run or commit to his duties, he will not play, regardless of his status or name.
4-His own staff (With One Exception)
Mourinho plans to bring his entire coaching team from Benfica. Interestingly, he did not object to Florentino Pérez’s suggestion of integrating Álvaro Arbeloa into the staff.
5-The departure of Pintus
Because Mourinho is bringing his own team, the exit of current fitness coach Antonio Pintus is non-negotiable. Mourinho views the team’s recent injury history as intolerable for an elite club.
6-Medical revolution
He demands a direct line to the club’s medical services and the implementation of a “second opinion” protocol for all player diagnoses to prevent past medical scandals from recurring.
7-A seven-player “cull”
Mourinho has already identified seven players who must leave the club this summer, as he believes they either lack the level required or do not fit his tactical project.
8-Direct access to the president
Tired of dealing with various office personnel, Mourinho demands that his only point of contact within the club be Florentino Pérez himself.
9-The end of summer tours
Believing that long commercial tours to the U.S. and Asia take a physical and mental cost, Mourinho wants them shaken off in favor of a few specific friendlies supervised by him.
10-The indivisible pack
All these conditions are a package deal. If one point is rejected, the answer is “no.”
The ball is now in Florentino Pérez’s court. The president has roughly one week to respond to these demands. The race for the Real Madrid bench remains open, but Mourinho has made it clear exactly how he intends to compete.
