Jose Mourinho makes first official Actual Madrid statements since returning as supervisor in unusually low-key ceremony.
Printed On 18 Aug 2026
Jose Mourinho’s return to Actual Madrid had already been beneath means for a number of weeks, however the membership made it official with a bizarrely understated ceremony at their coaching centre.
The second coming of the self-appointed “Particular One”, as Mourinho dubbed himself when appointed Chelsea supervisor in 2004, is loaded with nostalgia, threat and unfinished enterprise.
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The Portuguese supervisor, who started work with the squad when preseason began on July 10, signed a contract until June 2029 within the boardroom of Ciudad Actual Madrid alongside membership President Florentino Perez and honorary President Jose Martinez Pirri.
For a membership accustomed to spectacle, the silence was virtually the assertion.
Galacticos – as Los Blancos have dubbed their star gamers over time like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane – are sometimes paraded like celebrities, as are new managers.
Actual, nevertheless, are heading into the brand new La Liga season after two consecutive years and not using a trophy whereas Perez, just lately re-elected however removed from the untouchable determine of outdated, is dealing with rising scrutiny from an impatient fanbase.
Mourinho framed his return as one thing extra important than a job.
“That is coming dwelling. Emotionally, it’s even higher than the primary time as a result of again then it was a sense of reaching the very high of the world, whereas now it’s extra emotional and heartfelt,” Mourinho advised the membership’s official tv channel within the uncommon presentation away from the fanfare and highlight.
“I’m one among you. I at all times have been, and you may think about what it means to me to work for Actual Madrid. It is a maxim that everybody should observe: working for Actual Madrid, which implies working for you.”
Mourinho beforehand managed Actual from 2010 to 2013, successful La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Tremendous Cup throughout a flamable spell that introduced silverware, confrontation and an enduring imprint on the membership.
Now he returns from Benfica after Perez oversaw one among Actual’s most aggressive switch home windows in years, bringing in Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espi and inking a long-awaited multiyear contract extension for winger Vinicius Jr.
The brand new signings are additionally anticipated to be offered privately within the coming days, following the identical closed-door format used for Mourinho.
The strategy displays a membership intent on shielding themselves earlier than Saturday’s La Liga opener towards Espanyol in Barcelona.
Mourinho stated his job was not private glory however rebuilding requirements.
“Phrases aren’t sufficient … as a result of it’s like a mission,” he stated. “I’m right here to assist everybody be higher, gamers, workers, … to create a tradition of onerous work, duty, ambition and one thing I do know properly, which is the duty and honour of working for Actual Madrid.”
Mourinho returns with loads to show after 11 years and not using a league title and 4 and not using a trophy. Ought to he cease Barcelona from successful a 3rd straight La Liga title or win his first Champions League as a Actual supervisor, then this might properly be one among his most particular achievements.
