Jose Mourinho begins his second spell as Real Madrid coach this weekend. His return starts with a La Liga trip to Espanyol in Barcelona.
The Portuguese coach returns to Madrid 16 years after his first appointment. Once again, he faces the task of challenging Barcelona for dominance in Spain.
Mourinho also wants to restore the intensity that defined his first spell. He previously led Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013.
Mourinho Returns After Trophy Drought
Real Madrid turned to Mourinho after two seasons without a major trophy. President Florentino Perez decided to bring back the experienced coach.
The club has also faced dressing room tensions. Several coaches have struggled to create the right balance on the pitch.
Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa all faced similar problems. They struggled to fit Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham into the same system.
The trio offers enormous attacking quality. However, their combination often left Madrid exposed defensively.
Mourinho could provide a solution. His strict approach may help turn Madrid’s superstars into a more disciplined team.
A More Mature Mourinho
Mourinho says he has changed since his first spell at Madrid. He believes years of experience have made him more mature.
The 63-year-old has worked in England, Italy and Turkey since leaving Madrid.
He says he is now less emotional and more in control. However, Mourinho insists that his new approach does not make him a boring coach.
The Portuguese made his priorities clear after returning to Valdebebas.
He wants to build a culture of hard work, responsibility and ambition. Mourinho has described his return as a mission.
Real Madrid Spend Big in Transfer Market
Perez has backed Mourinho with several major signings this summer.
Real Madrid made Ivorian winger Yan Diomande their record signing. The club reportedly paid 140 million euros for the attacker.
Madrid also signed Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella. The new arrivals have strengthened several areas of the squad.
However, some critics believe Madrid still lacks enough quality in midfield. The club did not sign Rodri despite earlier links with the midfielder.
Diomande adds another major attacking option. Silva could prove more important for Mourinho’s plans.
Search for Midfield Balance
Real Madrid has struggled to replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
The two midfield legends controlled matches with their passing and experience. Their presence also gave Madrid’s attackers greater freedom.
Their ability to manage games reduced pressure on the team’s defence. Madrid has searched for similar balance since their departures.
Silva is not a direct replacement for either player. However, his technical ability could help Mourinho control important matches.
The biggest test will come against Barcelona. Hansi Flick’s side enters the season as the defending Spanish champion.
Mourinho Faces Another Barcelona Challenge
Mourinho’s first spell at Madrid featured a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola.
Barcelona dominated Spanish football during that period. Mourinho and Guardiola often clashed during heated Clasico encounters.
The rivalry produced touchline confrontations and controversy. Accusations over refereeing decisions also increased the tension.
Mourinho eventually ended Barcelona’s domestic dominance. Real Madrid won the 2011-12 La Liga title with a record 100 points.
First Clasico Approaches
Real Madrid will visit Barcelona in late October for the first Clasico of the season.
The match already stands as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the campaign.
Before then, Mourinho has almost two months to prepare his team. His first challenge comes against Espanyol on Saturday.
The Portuguese must quickly build fitness, discipline and unity. He must also find a system that allows Madrid’s biggest stars to perform together.
