Real Madrid turn to Mourinho ally Nuno Santos after Luis Llopis departure

Real Madrid have begun reshaping their coaching staff under Jose Mourinho, with long-serving goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis leaving the club and Nuno Santos taking over the role.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Llopis has ended his latest spell with Real Madrid after several years of service. Santos has been appointed as his replacement, having previously worked with Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Benfica.

Llopis confirmed his departure in a farewell message, writing: “It was wonderful to live and feel this experience. Thank you.”

His message prompted emotional responses from several current and former Real Madrid goalkeepers.

Thibaut Courtois, who worked closely with Llopis during one of the most successful periods of his career, replied: “Thank you for everything, my friend.”

Sergio Mestre wrote: “Thank you for all your love,” while Luis Lopez posted: “Thank you for everything.” Toni Fuidias and Kiko Casilla both described Llopis as “the best”.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Ferran Gonzalez responded to the message with emojis.

Andriy Lunin and Keylor Navas, two of the most prominent goalkeepers to have worked with Llopis, had not posted farewell messages to him at the time of the report.

Llopis was part of the Real Madrid staff during the club’s last five Champions League triumphs. He first joined in 2015 as part of Rafa Benitez’s coaching team.

When Benitez left and Zinedine Zidane took charge, Llopis remained at the club. He subsequently became part of the team that delivered three consecutive Champions League titles.

The goalkeeping coach left Real Madrid in the summer of 2018, at the same time as Zidane’s departure. He returned in 2021 following Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment.

During his second spell at Real Madrid, Llopis played a role in helping Courtois produce some of his finest performances in the Champions League during the 2021-22 season. He also worked with Kepa and Lunin as they prepared to feature during the 2023-24 campaign.

After Ancelotti’s departure, Llopis continued working alongside Xabi Alonso and then Alvaro Arbeloa. Mourinho’s arrival has now brought his latest period with the Spanish club to an end.

The change represents an early adjustment to Real Madrid’s backroom structure as Mourinho begins rebuilding the coaching set-up. Santos’ previous experience alongside the Portuguese manager at three clubs means he arrives with an established working relationship with the new head coach.