Mourinho returns to Real Madrid to restore winning culture

Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid to restore winning culture

Jose Mourinho has been appointed as Real Madrid manager again, the club announced, returning to the Bernabéu at age 63 with a mandate to rebuild a team that has gone two seasons without a trophy, BBC Sport reported in interviews with figures who have worked with him.

Mourinho left Real Madrid in 2013 and has since won one league title with Chelsea in 2015 while experiencing mixed results at Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica. Commentators told BBC Sport that his methods remain player-focused and that his appointment reflects president Florentino Pérez’s belief a former successful coach can replicate a second spell impact.

Former Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón welcomed the hiring but cautioned Mourinho must change certain behaviours, saying the manager should persuade rather than impose on players and avoid repeating past protagonism and public confrontations.

Portuguese journalist Duarte Monteiro, reflecting on Mourinho’s season at Benfica, said the manager’s personality has not changed and described Benfica’s play as conservative, noting moments of public aggression toward groups of players and mixed dressing-room support.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Sources interviewed by BBC Sport highlighted that Mourinho’s track record includes major successes—Porto, Inter Milan and earlier Chelsea achievements—alongside episodes of dressing-room tension and media disputes. Observers stressed that Mourinho’s capacity to persuade current Real Madrid stars and adapt his management style will be central to his second spell, as the squad includes high-profile players such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.

Former Chelsea defender Robert Huth recalled Mourinho’s demanding but clear approach, noting his ability to galvanize squads and bring meticulous preparation, and suggested players like Jude Bellingham could thrive under Mourinho’s leadership while expressing concerns about managing other high-profile personalities.

The BBC Sport interviews emphasized that Mourinho’s historical achievements remain notable but that his recent record is mixed; commentators urged that earning players’ trust and adjusting behaviours will determine success in this new tenure at Real Madrid.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Jose Mourinho has been appointed Real Madrid manager again at age 63, returning to the Bernabéu after leaving in 2013.
• Observers cited his past major trophies and noted recent mixed results at several clubs, including Benfica.
• Key challenges identified include changing behaviour to persuade elite players and managing a dressing room with stars like Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham.