Key Real Madrid players said to oppose Mourinho's return

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Real Madrid's 4-1 victory against Real Valladolid on Saturday did not stop the club's internal problems from spilling out into the public.

Four of the club's senior players – Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Karim Benzema – are reported to be opposed to what's believed to be the team's plan to invite Jose Mourinho back as manager.

According to the London Daily Mail in a report on Sunday, Ramos has even privately threatened to leave the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium if Mourinho returns.

Such a tough stand by Real Madrid's captain was understandable considering that the last time "the Special One" coached the club (2010-13), he and certain players, including Ramos, proved to be incompatible.

Jose Mourinho worked as the manager of Real Madrid from 2010-2013. /VCG Photo

It remained unclear why Bale did not like Mourinho but back in 2017 when the Portuguese manager was coaching Manchester United, he tried to entice Bale to the club but failed.

After the win over Valladolid, Benzema told the press that the team were with manager Santiago Solari. "Why change now? We have 11 games left and we hope he will stay with us," said the French forward. When asked about Mourinho coming back, Benzema diplomatically replied: "I cannot answer you, I have a coach now and it's a club issue."

Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid. /VCG Photo

However, a big question mark was put on how much weight their opinions could carry. Bale is already one of the most disliked players in the team. Benzema is more than used to rumors about being sold. There were more reports about Marcelo departing for Juventus than Mourinho returning. As for Ramos, he's almost 33 years old and has only one year left in his contract with Real Madrid.

Besides, the club's president Florentino Perez has already made it clear to his players that they have no say in who will be the new manager of the team, according to Daily Mail. Judging by his moves during his presidency, there were good reasons to believe that Perez is serious.