Within days of his return, Mourinho has been actively shaping the squad, influencing both incoming and outgoing transfers. A notable example is his involvement in convincing Marc Cucurella to join, underscoring the authority he has been granted in building the new project at Valdebebas.
Back on the training ground, Mourinho is not wasting any time. He has taken a very hands-on approach, spending long hours with the coaching staff to design training sessions and oversee every aspect of the team’s work. His intensity is evident in how he constantly reviews drills, pushes for higher concentration, and even takes part in goalkeeper sessions when needed. Those at the club have welcomed this direct leadership style.
Club leadership has given clear backing to Mourinho. The hierarchy views his appointment as the ideal moment to restore discipline and unity within a dressing room that had shown signs of fragmentation in recent seasons. Internal disagreements, including tensions between players such as Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, highlighted the need for stronger leadership. Mourinho has signaled his intent to be the unquestioned authority within the squad.
One of his immediate changes has been instituting an earlier arrival time for players ahead of training sessions. Requiring players to be at the training facility nearly two hours before sessions begin establishes higher standards of professionalism and preparation, setting a tone for the season ahead.
The real test, of course, lies ahead. Many of Real Madrid’s star players, including Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham, are still returning from their post-World Cup breaks. Managing these personalities and persuading them to prioritise the collective over individual ambitions will be among Mourinho’s most significant challenges in this second spell in charge.
Club officials acknowledge the magnitude of the task but remain confident in their choice. They believe that Mourinho possesses the experience, authority, and personality necessary to unite a dressing room full of elite talent and restore a winning culture.
Overall, the early days point toward a manager who is ready to impose his standards and drive Real Madrid toward a cohesive, high-performance approach as the new season approaches.
