According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Jose Mourinho has demanded the sacking of Italian fitness coach Antonio Pintus if he is to take the Real Madrid job.
There are multiple reports over the last few days that the players are irritated with Alvaro Arbeloa and are looking for a new tactician, but could look back for the return of Mourinho.
He had first taken the job when leaving Inter in the wake of their Treble triumph of 2010, where they won the Scudetto, Champions League and Coppa Italia.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
In order to come back, it’s reported Mourinho has a list of demands that were set out during a video call with President Florentino Perez.
There was a return to Real Madrid that summer, working as performance manager and fitness coach in various roles.
It is not clear why Mourinho is so dead set against keeping the Italian as part of his coaching staff.
Among the other requests, the Special One also wants at least a two-year contract, for the club to appoint a formal spokesman (something he had already complained about with Roma), absolute independence on sporting decisions, and allowing players to seek a second medical opinion on injuries.