What will it mean for Barcelona if Mourinho returns to the Bernabeu?

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho shakes hands with Manchester United vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Read Madrid president Florentino Perez (right) after the UEFA Super Cup match at the Philip II Arena, Skopje, Macedonia. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho shakes hands with Manchester United vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Read Madrid president Florentino Perez (right) after the UEFA Super Cup match at the Philip II Arena, Skopje, Macedonia. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)

Real Madrid has suffered a tragic week in football having exited from all the three major cups which has led to rumours of Jose Mourinho’s return.

Real Madrid suffered a rare humiliation in the Champions League as they were beaten 4-1 by Ajax at the Bernabeu and crashed out in the round of 16 5-3 on aggregate. Los Blancos were completely outplayed by an intrepid Ajax side filled with confidence and containing talented youngsters such as Frenkie De Jong who is set to join Barcelona.

This means Real have little chance of coming away with a major trophy due to being 12 points behind in the league. Since the defeat against Ajax and the Clasico humiliations, Jose Mourinho has been extensively linked with his old club. The rumoured reports are Florentino Perez wants Solari out of the club and has been in talks with Mourinho over a deal. If the Portuguese man does sign the contract in Spain, it must not be any concern for the Catalan club.

More from Analysis

The former Manchester United manager has been criticized for his tactics at previous clubs. In today’s modern football, parking the bus has become outdated. It will be evident that the “special one” will continue with a similar strategy if he comes back to Madrid. The 56-year-old is known for his divisive approach and he will definitely bring in his culture in the already torn team of Real Madrid. At some moment or the other, the ego clashes and on-field strategies will hamper the Madrid performance which again will be a piece of good news for Barcelona.

Mourinho managed the club before for three seasons between 2010 and 2013. He managed to win a Copa Del Rey in the 2010-2011 season and a La Liga trophy in the subsequent season. However, the final season at the Spanish capital was not worth remembering for the former Chelsea manager. The season was trophyless after which he parted ways with the club.

During this tenure, Mourinho had many clashes with his team players. The relationship with the club star man Cristiano Ronaldo was deteriorating day by day. He was criticized by his own players after they were forced to utilise defensive tactics in the semi-finals of the 2011 Champions League against the Catalan giants.

Therefore, even if the rumoured manager does turn up in the Spanish capital, the already depleted team won’t turn on their fortunes. It will only make the team’s play from bad to worse, and the team will lose its aggressive strategy. Though the Madrid fans are sceptical about his return, it will be good news for Barca fans.