Jose Mourinho is reportedly plotting a dramatic return to Real Madrid—but with one major condition: the dismissal of Italian fitness coach Antonio Pintus.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Mourinho laid out a series of demands during a video call with club president Florentino Perez, and at the top of his list is the firing of Pintus, the 63-year-old fitness guru who has worked in several stints with Los Blancos.

Pintus first joined Real Madrid in 2016, staying until 2019 before moving to Inter Milan under Antonio Conte. He returned to the Spanish capital in 2021, serving as both performance manager and fitness coach. His extensive resume also includes stops at Juventus, Chelsea, Sunderland, and Olympique Marseille.

The reasons behind Mourinho's opposition to Pintus remain unclear, but the "Special One" is known for his meticulous control over his coaching staff and training methods.

This potential reunion comes amid reports that current Real Madrid players are growing frustrated with assistant coach Alvaro Arbeloa, sparking speculation about a managerial shake-up. Mourinho first took the Real Madrid job in 2010 after leading Inter to a historic Treble—winning the Serie A, Champions League, and Coppa Italia in the same season.

Beyond Pintus's dismissal, Mourinho's demands reportedly include a minimum two-year contract, full autonomy over sporting decisions, the appointment of a formal club spokesman (an issue he previously raised during his time at Roma), and allowing players to seek second medical opinions on injuries.

Whether Perez will agree to these terms—especially the request to part ways with a veteran fitness coach—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: if Mourinho does return to the Santiago Bernabéu, it will be on his terms, and with his trusted methods firmly in place.