London – Behind the scenes at the Bernabeu, Jose Mourinho has agreed to make a dignified exit from Real Madrid.
It’s a straightforward strategy in his final weeks in Spain and one to which Real president Florentino Perez hopes his temperamental coach will stick.
This gentlemen’s agreement is designed to keep Mourinho’s impending departure out of the constant gaze of the public as they prepare for his return to Chelsea. It’s a nice thought, but keeping Mourinho in line has never been easy.
In London, where Rafa Benitez is attempting to fulfil his objective to pilot Chelsea to a top-three finish in the Barclays Premier League, it has been met with approval.
At this stage of the season the distractions – particularly with someone as complicated and complex as Mourinho – are something they can do without.
Benitez is doing a damn good job of securing his top-three position, despite Tottenham’s late equaliser on Wednesday night.
Chelsea’s interim manager knows such a finish will benefit Mourinho, but at least Benitez’s reputation is being enhanced.
The Spanish coach knows the identity of his replacement, something he freely admitted when he spoke at the training ground ahead of this draw, which looked for large parts of the game like being a victory.
Managing Mourinho day to day is almost impossible, but he is working to an exit strategy after discussions with the Real Madrid hierarchy.
He wants to go where he is loved and he will get his wish when he returns to the bosom of Chelsea supporters at the end of the season.
Real chiefs have become so concerned his conduct is bringing the club into disrepute that they have pleaded with him to stop discussing his next job.
That was the reason behind his mischievous claim ahead of Wednesday’s La Liga clash against Malaga at the Bernabeu that he could yet fulfil a contract that runs until 2016.
In return for a period of planned silence, Perez has agreed to release Mourinho from his contract at the end of the season.
Real’s season does not finish until they play Osasuna on June 1 and they want Mourinho on message until his release.
They still have the Copa del Rey final on May 17 in the Bernabeu against Madrid rivals Atletico and it’s a trophy Mourinho is expected to win.
He started the season by lifting the Supercopa Espana against Barcelona, but Real have fallen well short in La Liga.
That’s not good enough for Real Madrid and Mourinho accepts he is no longer wanted in Spain.
He is one of two former coaches – Carlo Ancelotti, who was also fired, was the other – whom Abramovich has told close friends he would welcome back as manager.
Benitez will be on his way when Chelsea return from an end-of-season trip to the United States, where they will play two games against Manchester City.
It’s impossible for him to stay, but at least he will leave with the respect of the owner. – Daily Mail