Predicting Real Madrid’s XI under Jose Mourinho next season

The Portuguese manager is reportedly the top choice for Florentino Perez.

Real Madrid are now going through another trophyless season. The LaLiga and European giants have underperformed in all of their domestic competitions. Even though they have secured the UEFA Champions League 15 times, Los Blancos only managed to get to the quarterfinal stage this time around.

At the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign, Xabi Alonso was appointed as their manager. Initially, the Spanish giants were doing well, but saw a major dip in form. In January 2026, the Spanish manager got sacked.

Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed as their new head coach, who was managing Real Madrid’s youth team. Los Blancos are now in poor condition once again. They have been knocked out of the Champions League, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

As things stand, they are in second place on the LaLiga points table. They are 11 points away from their fierce rivals and league leaders, FC Barcelona.

Recent reports claim that Real Madrid are looking at some new managers to replace Alvaro Arbeloa. Some of the top names include Didier Deschamps, Jürgen Klopp, José Mourinho, Julian Nagelsmann, and Andoni Iraola, etc.

All of the above names are very experienced. If the Spanish giants want to become a well balanced, they must go with an option which can control the dressing room as well.

Some reports also suggested that the things within the squad are very divided. The players must also set their minds straight and put in top-notch efforts if they want to win trophies next season.

The current favourite to become the next Real Madrid manager is Jose Mourinho. He is also reportedly the top choice for Florentino Perez.

It will be interesting to see the Portuguese coach once again back in Spain. If this happens, it would mark Jose Mourinho’s second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu. During his first spell as the head coach, Mourinho clinched La Liga (2011–12), Copa del Rey (2010–11), and the Supercopa de España (2012).

Predicted Real Madrid XI under Mourinho

Jose Mourinho may deploy a 4-4-2 with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior leading the line. If he is looking to drop any of those forwards, then he might go with a classic 4-2-3-1.

Predicted 4-4-2

Thibaut Courtois (GK); Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Álvaro Carreras; Fede Valverde, Enzo Fernández, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler; Kylian Mbappe, Vini Jr.

Predicted 4-2-3-1

Thibaut Courtois (GK); Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Álvaro Carreras; Fede Valverde, Rodri; Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Brahmin Diaz; Kylian Mbappe

Some of the player names mentioned aren’t yet part of the club. But they are reportedly linked with the LaLiga side.

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