Jose Mourinho, a name synonymous with managerial success, is back at Real Madrid, a club he once led to significant triumphs. After departing in 2013, Mourinho returns to the Santiago Bernabéu with the challenge of revitalizing a team that has not lifted a trophy in the past two seasons. His first tenure at the club saw him secure three major titles: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Now, at 63 years old, the 'Special One' faces a critical juncture in his career. The question on everyone’s mind is whether he can replicate the success of his first spell or if he is a manager whose peak has passed. In a recent episode of the More Than The Score podcast, BBC Sport gathered insights from those familiar with Mourinho's coaching style and past achievements, as they assess his potential for success in this second stint.
Since leaving Madrid, Mourinho has only claimed one major title, the Premier League with Chelsea in 2015. His subsequent roles at Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma, Fenerbahçe, and Benfica have been marked by sporadic successes in cup competitions, but also considerable instability. Spanish football expert Eduardo Alvarez suggests that club president Florentino Pérez may have drawn inspiration from Carlo Ancelotti's successful return to Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League during his second term.
Alvarez noted, "Mourinho falls into the category of Real Madrid not being a manager's club but being a player's club. Even though Mourinho is a prominent manager, his style is more player-centric, which is what I believe Florentino needs right now." This perspective highlights the unique dynamics at play within the club, where the balance of power often tilts towards the players.
However, not everyone is convinced that Mourinho's return will be straightforward. Ramon Calderon, a former president of Real Madrid, expressed cautious optimism but emphasized that Mourinho must adapt his approach. He stated, "He’s going to need to change the behaviour and the attitude of the players. He has to gain their respect and trust through persuasion rather than imposition." Calderon pointed out that Mourinho's previous tenure was fraught with conflicts and a tendency to deflect blame, which may not resonate well with the current squad.
In Portugal, where Mourinho recently managed Benfica, the question of whether he has evolved as a coach has also been raised. Portuguese journalist Duarte Monteiro remarked that while Mourinho's character remains unchanged, the footballing landscape has shifted significantly. He noted, "The young players today and the media environment are different, and there’s less openness to embrace him now compared to 20 years ago." This sentiment underscores the potential challenges Mourinho may face in connecting with a new generation of players.
Former Chelsea defender Robert Huth, who played under Mourinho during his successful tenure at Stamford Bridge, reflected on the manager's intense yet effective style. Huth acknowledged that while Mourinho's demanding nature can be intimidating, it often fosters a strong bond between him and his players. He highlighted Mourinho's ability to galvanize a squad, stating, "When you have someone leading like that, you kind of go, ‘Yeah, I’m in.’"
As Mourinho embarks on this new chapter, he will need to navigate the complexities of managing a squad filled with stars, including Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham. Huth believes that Bellingham, in particular, will thrive under Mourinho's guidance due to his work ethic and commitment. However, the challenge lies in managing the personalities of high-profile players who may react differently when faced with adversity.
Ultimately, Mourinho's return to Real Madrid is a fascinating narrative filled with potential. With a rich history of success and a roster brimming with talent, the club hopes that Mourinho can once again lead them to glory. However, whether he can adapt his methods to fit the current landscape of football remains to be seen. As he embarks on this journey, the footballing world will be watching closely to see if the 'Special One' can reclaim his status as one of the game's elite managers.
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