When Mourinho Almost Returned: Karanka Reveals Hidden Talks with Real Madrid Before Xabi Alonso’s Exit

Aitor Karanka admitted there were earlier communications between Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid, confirming that the Portuguese coach's return had been floated at several stages, but it never materialized due to football timing and the circumstances surrounding the sport.

The remarks came in response to journalist Josep Pedrol's question about whether Mourinho would like to return to Real Madrid, and Karanka said: "What do you want me to say? I think he had some chances, but there were always football-related things that did not align. Now the most important thing is that there is a coach, and that he is Spanish."

Regarding the Spanish Football Federation, Karanka added that it's positive to have Spanish coaches who trained and developed in Spain, and he hopes that trend endures, with a nod to Álvaro Arbeloa.

On a direct question about a potential rapprochement with Real Madrid, Karanka said: "As far as I know, yes… there was at some point, I can't recall since when. It didn't happen due to football-related circumstances. Perhaps mid-season, or Mourinho was tied to another project. I think the relationship Jose has with the president won't surprise anyone."

Karanka spoke during his appearance on the program El Cafito, reopening the door to talk about Mourinho's special ties with Real Madrid's management and the earlier returns that never came to fruition.