14/05/2026

Read

iPaper at Malaysian Paper

www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download

app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Malaysian Paper or download

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

THURSDAY | MAY 14, 2026

Malaysian Paper

The Special One for Real? Mourinho in final negotiations to become Madrid manager J OSE MOURINHO is in final negotiations to become Real Madrid’s next head coach, 13 years after his first spell at the

Casillas, 44, posted on X : “I have no problem with Mourinho. He seems like a great professional to me. “I don’t want him at @realmadrid. I think other coaches would be better equipped to coach at the club of my life. Personal opinion. Nothing more.” Embattled president Perez opened yesterday’s press conference by saying: “Thank you all for attend ing. I regret to tell you that I am not going to resign, but rather I have asked the board to initiate the elec toral process for the elections to the board of directors, in which this cur rent board of directors will partici pate.” When pressed on names of upcoming coaches or players to move to Real, he said: “I’m not going to talk about coaches or players. I’m here to return Real Madrid’s assets to its members. “They’re taking them away from the members. They want me to leave, but I’m not going to leave. Instead, I’m going to run in the elections because I want to defend the idea that Real Madrid should continue to belong to its members.” He also accused media outlets of making up “rumours” he has cancer and clashed with several reporters directly, including telling the ABC newspaper he was planning to cancel his subscription. With the dressing room in turmoil and the club’s reputation on the line, Real Madrid need a strong leader to steer the team back on course next season. Against that backdrop, Perez is likely to view Mourinho as the ideal figure to restore order and authority within the dressing room. The club will hope he can rebuild a side that fights collectively rather than individually, and to manage some of football’s biggest personalities, sev eral of whom have faced criticism this season for acting egotistically. Mourinho’s appointment will also come with the expectation to deliver titles. – The Independent/Agencies

Bernabeu. The 63-year-old is the clear favourite – and currently the only candidate Real are in talks with over the role. He would replace current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who only took charge in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez first considered the possibility of Mourinho’s return two days after Alonso left the club, during initial conversations with the Portuguese coach’s representatives. Mourinho has been manager of Benfica, in his native Portugal, since joining on a two-year contract last September, and only yesterday told media he did not want to talk about his future just yet. “There’s a match against Estoril, and from Monday onwards I’ll be able to answer questions about my future as a coach and Benfica’s future,” he said. Saturday’s game against Estoril Praia is Benfica’s last of the season. From Sunday, Real Madrid will have a window to complete a deal for Mourinho at a relatively low cost. A clause in his contract allows him to leave for €3 million (RM14m) up to 10 days after Benfica play their final match of the season. He was in charge at Real between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. After leaving the club he returned to England for a second stint at Chelsea, winning the third of his three Premier League titles, plus the EFL Cup, in the 2014/15 season. Following his departure from the Blues by mutual consent in 2015, Mourinho then joined Manchester United on a three-year deal in 2016. He won the Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield during

comeback in a news conference yes terday, former goalkeeper Iker Casillas has told Mourinho he should not return to Real Madrid. Casillas, who won La Liga five times and claimed three Champions League titles across a 16-year spell with Real, as well as playing under Mourinho, said he did not agree with his return.

2025-26 campaign trophyless, with rivals Barcelona sealing the La Liga title with a 2-0 El Clasico victory and by a 14-point margin. Los Blancos ’ Champions League run ended with a 6-4 aggregate defeat by German champions Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. While club president Perez refused to be drawn on his possible

his first season at Old Trafford but was sacked in December 2018 after a poor run of results. Mourinho also had spells at Tottenham, Serie A side Roma, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2022, and Turkish club Fenerbahce, before taking over at Benfica last year. Meanwhile, Real have ended their

Relentless Sinner

Blister worry for Rory

Saints go marching on

- Story on page 28

- Story on page 29

- Story on page 30

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: newsdesk@thesundaily.com • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com