Earlier this month, reports emerged that Mauricio Pochettino had been included on Real Madrid’s shortlist for next season.

With Alvaro Arbeloa not expected to remain in charge, Madrid have been assessing options ahead of a crucial appointment. The speculation immediately raised concerns among United States supporters.

However, according to The Athletic, there is now a clear favourite for the job. Importantly for USMNT fans, that preferred candidate is not the 54-year-old Argentine.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly pushing for Jose Mourinho to return to the club. The Portuguese manager is currently in charge of Benfica, who sit seven points behind Porto in the Portuguese league.

Mourinho previously managed Madrid between May 2010 and June 2013. During that spell, he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercup, establishing a strong connection with the club.

The Athletic reports that Perez is taking a more direct role in this decision. Unlike the appointment of Xabi Alonso, the president wants to actively choose the next coach rather than simply approve a candidate.

That approach has placed ‘The Special One’ at the top of the list. In Perez’s view, Mourinho’s experience and history with the club appear to align with what Madrid are currently seeking.

Madrid’s apparent shift towards Mourinho may offer relief to USMNT supporters. It reduces the immediate threat of losing Pochettino to one of the biggest clubs in football.

Adding to that, the Argentine coach has previously indicated that he could be open to extending his contract after the World Cup.

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