"Mourinho is a closed chapter; I don't believe he'll return"

Real Madrid legend and World Cup winner with Argentina, Jorge Valdano, has weighed in on the future of the Merengues' coaching staff, a role unlikely to remain with Álvaro Arbeloa next season.

As expected, José Mourinho's name was brought into the discussion, and the former player was unequivocal when addressing the current Benfica coach's situation. "Mourinho is a closed chapter at the club; I don't believe he'll return," Valdano stated on Movistar+.

The former player also dismissed Jürgen Klopp and Lionel Scaloni from contention, explaining his reasoning. "Klopp needs a year to build a team. He needs a year to achieve the physical intensity required for his style of play to be effective. And it seems difficult to imagine that, at a club like Real, you'd have a year for that, because immediate results are demanded," he said of the German.

"Scaloni is a World Cup champion, and no one doubts his quality, but he lacks club experience. It's risky to think Real would be his first club experience. I'm not sure if that would be the right move," he continued.

Conversely, Jorge Valdano expressed approval for Mauricio Pochettino, currently the United States national team coach, and Didier Deschamps, who will step down from leading France after the 2026 World Cup.

"Pochettino is a coach who has been close to joining Real twice... When that happens, it's clear you have a profile that appeals to the club. Regarding Deschamps, we're talking about someone who was a World Cup champion and could fit in at the club. We must remember we have Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Mbappé here. He's a coach who knows them and has managed them well," he concluded.