During an event on 8/5, Figo was asked about Real's current tense situation, including an altercation between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, just two days before their match against Barcelona in La Liga's 35th round.

The former Portuguese star stated that internal turmoil within the royal club is not new, acknowledging the immense pressure always present at the Bernabeu.

"Such incidents cannot be considered normal, but this is not the first time it has happened, and it certainly won't be the last", he said. "I've experienced it myself. Managing about 30 people is never easy, and frustration sometimes causes players to act out of control."

Coach Jose Mourinho (right) talks with Alvaro Arbeloa during the Benfica versus Real Madrid match in the first leg of the Champions League play-off on 17/2/2026. Photo: Press Wire

Real is reportedly in talks with Jose Mourinho regarding the possibility of succeeding Alvaro Arbeloa from the 2026-2027 season. "The Special One" also set three conditions for his return to the Bernabeu: a minimum two-year contract, full autonomy in selecting his coaching staff, and limiting press conferences to mandatory technical discussions focused on first-team matters.

According to The Athletic, Mourinho possesses qualities that Florentino Perez considers valuable: a strong personality, the ability to control the dressing room, and experience handling intense pressure at a club like Real. Given Real's need for a coach with sufficient "ego" to manage its star-studded squad, the 63-year-old coach remains a suitable choice in certain aspects.

When asked about Mourinho's potential return to Real to re-establish discipline, Figo dismissed the idea that a "firm hand" is the key to success at the Bernabeu. "At Real, a hardline approach does not yield results", he emphasized.

The 53-year-old former star cited successful periods under Carlo Ancelotti, Vicente del Bosque, and Zinedine Zidane – coaches known for their flexible management style and ability to control the dressing room.

Zidane had two tenures coaching Real, from 2016-2018 and 2019-2021, winning 11 titles, including two La Liga titles and a record three consecutive Champions League victories. Ancelotti also led Real for two tenures, from 2013-2015 and 2021-2025, securing 15 titles, including two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. Del Bosque helped the royal club win 8 titles, including two Champions League and two La Liga titles.

According to Figo, the right coach for Real needs to possess more than just a strong personality. "You must understand football, have a logical mindset, understand the club and its environment. The most important thing is knowing how to manage players' egos so that everyone works towards a common goal", the Portuguese football legend added.

Luis Figo (left) and coach Jose Mourinho during their time together at Real Madrid. Photo: AP

Mourinho coached Real from 2010-2013, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Super Cup. The team's winning percentage under the Portuguese coach was 71,9%, the third highest in history after Manuel Pellegrini (75%) from 2009-2010 and Carlo Ancelotti (74,8%) from 2013-2015. The peak came in La Liga 2011-2012, when Real set a record of 100 points and scored 121 goals, ending Barcelona's dominance in Spain.

Despite this, Figo did not completely rule out Mourinho's return. "I don't know if Mourinho will return; that's a question for President Florentino Perez. Jose is my friend, and I always wish the best for my friends. If he is happy coaching Real, I would welcome him", he stated.

Commenting on this weekend's El Clasico match, Figo warned Barcelona not to underestimate Real, even though the team is going through an unstable period. "You should never underestimate Real. In matches like these, anything can happen regardless of current form", the former Portuguese star said, while acknowledging that the La Liga title race is almost certainly decided.

Hong Duy (according to Mundo Deportivo)