Wesley Sneijder has backed Jose Mourinho for success if he eventually becomes head coach of Real Madrid for a second time.
The Portuguese has been heavily linked with a return to the Santiago Bernabeu, with reports suggesting that a deal is very close to sway him away from Benfica.
Real Madrid have endured a difficult campaign from sacking Xabi Alonso to several off-field issues, including an alleged bust-up between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni in training in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, French superstar Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian star Vinicius Junior have also had their own shares of criticism during the course of the campaign.
Mourinho has been backed to become a key figure in rebuilding the club and ending Barcelona’s two-year stronghold on the La Liga title.
Dutch legend Sneijder, who enjoyed a remarkable 2009-10 season under the former Chelsea coach at Inter Milan, during which they won an unprecedented treble, has publicly backed him for the role at Real Madrid.
“I occupied that space with him for only one year, but in that year the experience I obtained from this man was incredible”, Sneijder said.
“Before, I talked about how to manage a team, and that is his main quality.
Real Madrid is one of the teams that needs a great coach, but also a technician capable of controlling incredible players with very strong personalities. I think he is the ideal person for that role right now and they need to sign him. If they sign him, it will be a very good decision,” Sneijder added.
Mourinho has previously reaffirmed his commitment to Benfica, but could now be set for an early exit despite having a year left on his contract.
The Portuguese had coached Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning three titles, including the 2011-12 La Liga title when they won the league with a record 100 points.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
