The Return of the Special One

Jose Mourinho is back at Real Madrid, marking a high-profile return to the club he previously managed between 2010 and 2013. His return was signaled not through a traditional press conference, but via a strategic campaign during the club's recent presidential election. Mourinho appeared in advertisements backing Florentino Perez, who was re-elected with 65 per cent of the vote.

Despite the lack of a formal unveiling, Mourinho and his staff have spent the last two weeks working intensively at the Valdebebas training ground. In a short video interview, Mourinho emphasized that his return is about more than just personal accolades: "Words aren’t enough, because this feels like a mission," he stated. "This isn’t about me or whether I win more or less. I’m here to help everybody become better."

Building the Backroom Staff

Mourinho has assembled a specialized team to assist in this rebuild. The coaching gallery released by the club includes:

• Joao Tralhao: Assistant coach
• Sami Khedira: Technical assistant (the former Madrid midfielder)
• Roberto Merella: Head analyst
• Antonio Silva and Antonio Pintus: Fitness coaches

Training Intensity and Squad Integration

Reports from Valdebebas describe the environment as demanding yet approachable. Training sessions have been characterized by a high tempo, frequent double days, and a heavy focus on strength and conditioning. Mourinho has also been keeping a close eye on international talent, specifically highlighting Marc Cucurella, whom the coaching staff strongly advocated for Madrid to sign from Chelsea.

The return of World Cup players has also seen a focus on team harmony. Federico Valverde, who was involved in training altercations with Aurelien Tchouameni last season, was seen embracing Mourinho on his 28th birthday. The images suggest a positive relationship, positioning Valverde as a primary candidate for the captaincy following the departure of Dani Carvajal.

Eyeing the Youth

As part of his assessment, Mourinho has integrated 12 academy players into first-team training. He is currently evaluating the futures of young talents including Raul Asencio, Franco Mastantuono, and Gonzalo Garcia as he shapes the new-look Madrid squad.