Real Madrid’s hierarchy is reportedly disappointed by the team’s performances this season and is considering Didier Deschamps as a possible successor to Jose Mourinho.
Journalists Jorge C. Picon, primarily associated with AS, and Marca reporter Sergio Valentin say club president Florentino Perez and senior board members expected more from Mourinho’s return, particularly after the coach was given complete autonomy over squad building during the summer.
The principal concern is Real Madrid’s style of play, which the club believes falls short of its ambitions and has changed little from last season. The team failed to win a trophy last term, and although the players continue to support Mourinho internally, the lack of a clearly defined approach is causing growing unease among the leadership.
Valentin reports that Perez is already making preparations in case the club and Mourinho eventually part company. The Real Madrid president has also told people close to him that he has a preferred candidate to take charge: Didier Deschamps.
The 56-year-old Frenchman has been without a club or national-team role since leaving the France job, which he held for 14 years. Deschamps guided France to victory at the 2018 World Cup and took them to the final of the 2022 World Cup.
France finished runners-up at the tournament in Qatar, after which Deschamps stepped down. At the time, he said his decision was not motivated by sporting reasons. Instead, he cited a difficult external environment and said he did not want to cause further damage to the national team.
Mourinho’s position could come under immediate scrutiny during a demanding period for Real Madrid. After nine league rounds, the club are seven points behind leaders Barcelona and face a decisive run of fixtures.
Real Madrid will first play their Champions League match against RB Leipzig before travelling to face Barcelona in an away Clasico next Sunday. The outcome of that match could have a major bearing on Mourinho’s future.
Since returning to Madrid, Mourinho has led Real Madrid to nine victories in 11 official matches. However, according to the latest reports, another poor display against Barcelona could make an early departure a realistic possibility.
The club’s concerns therefore centre not only on results but also on the team’s identity, with the board reportedly unconvinced that Mourinho’s side is developing in the way expected after his return.
