Journalist Sergio Valentín reports that Florentino Pérez has told close confidants that Didier Deschamps is his preferred candidate to replace José Mourinho if results fail to improve under the current manager.

Valentín also made an important clarification: Florentino has merely considered the possibility.  The idea remains a long way from being put into action.

Mourinho returned to Real Madrid this summer on a three-year contract. However, the team has made an underwhelming start to the new season, sitting fourth in La Liga after the first eight rounds. The club's patience is reportedly being tested, with previous reports suggesting that the hierarchy has been "unimpressed" by the team's performances and had expected more substantial changes.

Deschamps is currently a free agent. He left his position as France head coach this summer after a 14-year spell, departing following the 2026 World Cup. In fact, his name has featured in Real Madrid's managerial discussions on several occasions. Even before Mourinho's return, Deschamps was among the alternative candidates considered by the club.

However, all indications point to the same conclusion: this is merely a contingency plan in case results fail to improve, rather than a move that is actively being pursued.