La Liga president Javier Tebas has weighed in on the growing speculation regarding Jose Mourinho’s potential return to Real Madrid. The Portuguese tactician, currently in charge at Benfica, is being heavily linked with a second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu as Los Blancos look to rebuild after a difficult campaign.
Leeds United have reignited their pursuit of Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita as they begin planning for a second consecutive season in the Premier League. The Japan international is reportedly open to a move to Elland Road once the club’s top-flight status is mathematically confirmed, having opted to remain in Portugal last summer.
Benfica have set their sights on Fulham manager Marco Silva as the primary candidate to succeed Jose Mourinho at Estadio da Luz. This potential move creates a significant hurdle for Chelsea, who have also shortlisted the Portuguese tactician as they seek a permanent successor to Liam Rosenior ahead of a crucial summer rebuild.
Jose Mourinho is once again at the centre of a whirlwind of speculation as Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly eyes a sensational move to bring the Portuguese tactician back to the Bernabeu. However, Benfica midfielder Richard Rios is hopeful that the ex-Chelsea boss will stay put, having learned a lot from him during his first season back in charge at the Estadio da Luz.
Jose Mourinho has directly responded to the growing speculation linking him with a sensational return to Real Madrid as a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa. The legendary Portuguese coach, currently in charge of Benfica, also took a moment to reflect on his emotional tenure at Roma, describing the Italian capital as the standout environment of his illustrious career.
Jose Mourinho is reportedly the leading candidate to return to Real Madrid as head coach if Alvaro Arbeloa is sacked. Club president Florentino Perez is reportedly driving the pursuit of the current Benfica boss to lift the squad after a difficult campaign. With a manageable break clause in his contract, the 'Special One' could be set for a sensational second act at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Barcelona are the most successful Copa del Rey side in history, winning the cup 31 times, seven more than Athletic Bilbao and 11 more than bitter rivals Real Madrid. Their first-ever Copa del Rey win came in the 1909-10 season. Since the start of the 2014-15 season, the Catalans have lifted this trophy six times.
How many teams are in the Copa del Rey?
Currently, as many as 126 teams participate in the Copa del Rey, starting at the top from La Liga and going all the way down to the Tercera Federacion, the fifth tier in Spanish football league system. In its inaugural edition in 1903, just three teams (Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol, and Madrid FC) took part.
Who has made the most Copa del Rey appearances ever?
Former Athletic Bilbao and Spain forward Piru Gainza is Copa del Rey's record-appearance maker ever, featuring in 99 games in the cup competition.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Copa del Rey?
Iconic Spanish forward Telmo Zarra is Copa del Rey's all-time top scorer, finding the back of the net on 81 occasions between 1939 and 1957. All those goals came in an Athletic Bilbao shirt.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Copa del Rey and how old was he?
CD Bunol goalkeeper Paco is the oldest player to ever feature in a Copa del Rey game, achieving the feat against Real Sociedad in 2023 at the age of 44 years and 231 days.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Copa del Rey and how old was he?
Armando Sagi is the youngest player to ever feature in a Copa del Rey game. Playing for Barcelona, Sagi was just 15 years and 339 days old when he made his debut in the competition on April 2, 1922.
Which famous players have played in the Copa del Rey?
Antoine Griezmann, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos, Neymar, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Telmo Zarra, Sergio Busquets, Roberto Carlos, Luis Suarez, and Xavi are some of the most famous players to have played in the Copa del Rey.
Which famous managers have managed in the Copa del Rey?
Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique, Juande Ramos, Claudio Ranieri, Louis van Gaal, Sir Bobby Robson, Cesar Menotti, Miguel Munoz, and Ferdinand Daucik are some of Copa del Rey's most famous mangers.