TA: Mourinho is a strong contender for the Real Madrid managerial position; Florentino Pérez prefers him to succeed Arbeloa.

According to a joint report by TA journalists David Ornstein and Mario Corteganer on Tuesday, José Mourinho has emerged as a strong contender for the next Real Madrid manager. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is open to a return and will lead the selection process.

Real Madrid have suffered consecutive defeats in the Club World Cup, Copa del Rey, and Champions League, and currently sit second in La Liga with a record of 23 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses, accumulating 74 points. Trailing league leaders Barcelona by 11 points, they may face a trophyless season.

In light of this, Real Madrid's current manager, Álvaro Arbeloa, is expected to be sacked at the end of this season. As for Arbeloa's successor, Florentino Pérez is inclined to invite Benfica manager Jose Mourinho to take over.

The 63-year-old Mourinho has a deep connection with Real Madrid. He managed the team from 2010 to 2013, during which time he achieved a record of 127 wins, 28 draws and 23 losses, and led the team to win the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Besides Benfica and Real Madrid, Mourinho also managed Union Leiria, Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and Fenerbahce. During this period, he achieved remarkable success, leading his teams to two Champions League titles, one UEFA Cup title, one Europa League title, one Europa League title, two Portuguese Primeira Liga titles, one Portuguese Cup title, one Portuguese Super Cup title, three Premier League titles, one FA Cup title, four English League Cup titles, two Community Shield titles, two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia title, and one Italian Super Cup title.

TA further points out that potential candidates for Real Madrid's new manager also include Mauricio Pochettino of the United States and Didier Deschamps of France. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Argentine legend Lionel Scaloni have also been linked with Real Madrid, but both have denied any contact with them.

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