​Within Real Madrid, there is a surge of anticipation surrounding Jose Mourinho’s return for a second spell at the helm of the first team. The Portuguese tactician was headhunted by president Florentino Pérez after two consecutive disappointing seasons in which the club failed to lift any major trophy. In the 2025-26 campaign, Real Madrid collected nothing, underscoring the urgency behind Pérez’s decision to reappoint a manager with a proven track record of driving teams back to the pinnacle of success. Many view Mourinho as the ideal figure to steer Real Madrid out of their slump, and several players who will soon be under his instruction are already eager to work with him. While not all members of the current squad have previously collaborated with him, they have been given a glimpse into his methods courtesy of Roma forward Paulo Dybala, who spoke highly of Mourinho on the Daavo Xeneize podcast (as reported by Diario AS).
“Mou is a genius and a great person. He always talks to us with respect, he takes care of us, and he has earned our love in Rome. The way he has supported us and driven us forward has left a lasting impact. Thanks to him I arrived at Roma,” Dybala said, capturing the broad admiration Mourinho enjoys among players and fans alike. The Argentine’s praise reflects a wider sentiment that Mourinho possesses a rare combination of tactical acumen and personal warmth that can galvanize a squad during challenging periods.
The previous season’s shortcomings underscored Real Madrid’s need for a manager capable of managing egos and maintaining harmony within the dressing room. Although Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa were entrusted with leadership duties in the past, neither could consistently stabilise the group in the way many had hoped. Mourinho’s skill in handling big personalities and steering star players toward collective goals is widely regarded as one of his strongest attributes. That capability, combined with his track record of delivering results at the highest level, is a key reason why Pérez pressed ahead with the reappointment.
Mourinho is scheduled to be in the door next week to commence pre-season preparations, marking the official start of his second stint with Real Madrid. The challenge he faces will be substantial: to restore winning attitudes, to redefine team dynamics, and to reestablish the club’s claim to domestic and European honours. While expectations will be high and pressure will be intense, there is a sense that Mourinho is well-equipped to manage both the external scrutiny and the internal demands of leading one of the world’s most scrutinised clubs.
As the new campaign looms, all eyes will be on how he reorganises the squad, how he interfaces with the club’s long-standing culture, and how he translates his philosophy into tangible results on the pitch. His ability to command respect, to motivate players, and to instill a disciplined yet expressive style of play will be critical factors in determining whether Real Madrid can rekindle the consistency that has recently proved elusive. If Mourinho can replicate the momentum of his most successful spells and tailor his approach to the contemporary squad’s strengths, Real Madrid could once again climb back to the top of both domestic and continental football.