Pérez's Calculated Moves: Mourinho and the Election Timeline

When Florentino Pérez was questioned about José Mourinho during his high-profile press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the president deftly sidestepped the topic. However, the very act of calling for elections offers another clue to his plans concerning the Portuguese coach. Logically, if he announces elections within the next two days and, as expected, no one else runs, he will be re-elected president on Sunday, May 24th. This is precisely the day after Real Madrid's final match of the season – an ideal moment to announce Mourinho's arrival...

Because for 'The Special One,' there's a deadline. As previously reported, his contract includes a clause allowing him to leave Benfica for three million euros within 10 days of the team's last match. This fixture, which, albeit with a slim chance, could secure his team a Champions League spot, is scheduled for Saturday, May 16th, against Estoril. Consequently, the release clause will be active until May 26th... just a few days after Florentino is confirmed as president. Everything aligns perfectly, according to 'AS'.

In any case, Real Madrid's statutes dictate that the outgoing board continues its duties until a new president is announced. Therefore, they could technically finalize the transfer, but it wouldn't appear proper to sign a coach before the deadline for submitting candidacies has passed. This is a highly unlikely scenario, but it's conceivable that someone could run afterward, win the elections against Pérez, and then be stuck with Mourinho, who wasn't their choice. This is why, it seems, Florentino has meticulously calculated the dates for everything to fall into place.

Mourinho remains consistent in his statements, with no hint that his arrival is in an advanced stage. Yet, given the timelines, it must be. As 'AS' previously reported, after Mourinho was proposed to the 'white' club, the management concluded he was the best option to navigate the current situation. The decision has been made. "I won't discuss my future until next Monday," Mourinho stated on Monday evening after the draw with Braga. "From Monday onwards, I'll be able to answer questions about my future as a coach and Benfica's future. Be patient, there's only one week left."

Mourinho already has a contract renewal offer from Benfica on the table, which he will reject, 'AS' is convinced. He will say "yes" to Madrid, following discussions where the coach presented his assessment and made two demands: to have a say in transfer policy (regarding reinforcement areas, not specific names) and for hierarchy within the club structure to be respected, to avoid incidents like the one between Vinicius and Xabi Alonso. The club has found merit in these points. A new project is about to begin, and Mourinho will be at its helm.