Ramon Calderon: Real Madrid's Perez tried to sign Mourinho, didn't want Zidane as manager

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, never one to shy away from an opportunity to discredit current chief Florentino Perez, says that the hiring of Zinedine Zidane was a last resort after the club failed to lure Jose Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Related: Rafa Benitez sacked as manager of Real Madrid, replaced by Zinedine Zidane

Los Blancos named Zidane the new bench boss Monday after relieving Rafa Benitez of his duties, with Perez giving a glowing endorsement of the Frenchman during a brief press conference.

However, Calderon - who served as club president from 2006-2009 - told BBC Radio 5 live that should Zidane falter, Mourinho will be back on the touchline he once patrolled come the summer.

"I wish Zidane all the best but I'm sure it's going to be very difficult. He is not the one that the president (Perez) wanted," Calderon said.

"He was trying to sign Mourinho and he didn't want Zidane. That is the truth. I don't know if he (Zidane) will be successful, but if he is not, Mourinho will be on the bench in June."

Mourinho, who was let go by Chelsea earlier this season, already has a La Liga and Copa del Rey crown to his name from his first stint with the Spanish powerhouse, and has been linked with a return to his former club ever since he departed Stamford Bridge.