Journalist Sergio Valentin has dropped an exclusive update regarding Real Madrid’s prospective coaching staff, revealing that legendary defender Pepe is not the primary candidate to become Jose Mourinho’s assistant manager. Instead, the scale is tipping heavily in favor of another Portuguese icon who previously donned the Los Blancos jersey.
That former player is retired center-back Ricardo Carvalho, who currently serves as the assistant coach to Roberto Martinez for the Portugal national team during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Florentino Perez Grants “The Special One” Total Freedom
Real Madrid’s board, led by President Florentino Perez, is highly keen on having a former player in the dugout—someone who fundamentally understands the inner workings and pressure of the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Perez has granted Mourinho complete structural freedom to choose his backroom staff, making it clear that the club will neither impose nor veto any names.
A 20-Year Bond: Mourinho Personally Nominates Carvalho
According to the reliable report, Mourinho himself put Carvalho’s name forward for the position. The professional and personal relationship between the two tacticians spans over 20 years. Mourinho previously managed Carvalho during their trophy-laden era at Porto, before signing him for Chelsea, and later bringing him to Real Madrid in 2010.
Ricardo Carvalho’s Coaching Timeline:
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2019 – 2021: Began his managerial career as an assistant to Andre Villas-Boas at Marseille.
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2023 – Present: Serving as the first assistant to Roberto Martinez with the Portugal national team.
Will Carvalho Leave Portugal for the Royal Club?
While the opportunity is immense, the 48-year-old’s immediate acceptance remains somewhat uncertain due to his active contract with the Portuguese Football Federation. However, football insiders believe that the sheer prestige of returning to a club of Real Madrid’s magnitude will ultimately persuade Carvalho to accept the offer and begin a new chapter in the Spanish capital.
