News Focus
- José Mourinho becomes new Real Madrid head coach, returning 13 years after his first spell ended
- Club president Florentino Pérez opts for experience following the sacking of Xabi Alonso
- Mourinho has not won a major league title since 2015 with Chelsea
- The Portuguese manager must handle star players including Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior
- Real Madrid seek first La Liga trophy since 2024 after two barren seasons
Real Madrid have confirmed the return of José Mourinho as their new manager. The Portuguese coach takes charge at the Santiago Bernabéu thirteen years after his bitter departure from the Spanish giants.
Club president Florentino Pérez has once again turned to a familiar name. The billionaire has historically rotated between just three coaches during his reign. After brief experiments with new ideas failed, Pérez has returned to his trusted circle.
Mourinho’s first spell in Madrid brought both success and chaos. His side won the La Liga title with a record 100 points in 2012. However, his third season ended with fights between players and staff. The coach left after clashing with several stars.
The 63-year-old joins after mixed results elsewhere. He failed to qualify for the Champions League with Fenerbahçe in Turkey. At Benfica, his team went unbeaten but still won no trophies. His last league title came with Chelsea in 2015.
Pérez sacked Xabi Alonso earlier this year despite the former midfielder being a fans’ favourite. Reports suggest the squad’s big names complained about the coach’s methods. Mourinho now faces the same challenge: controlling egos in a dressing room full of superstars.
The new manager favours a pragmatic, defensive style. This differs from modern possession-based football. However, Real Madrid’s best recent years came under Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. Both men adapted their tactics to suit brilliant individuals rather than forcing systems.
Mourinho will rely on speed in attack. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior offer perfect weapons for counter-attacking football. The coach hopes two seasons without major trophies will make players accept stricter discipline.
Success is not guaranteed. Mourinho’s best days appear behind him. Yet Real Madrid’s wealth and history mean they remain close to glory. If the stars accept his leadership, the club could challenge for the Champions League and La Liga once more.