José Mourinho is set to begin his second stint as Real Madrid’s head coach. The Portuguese coach was introduced in a private, closed-door ceremony as the team’s new head coach for the next three seasons, in a ceremony attended by President Florentino Pérez and Honorary President José Martínez “Pirri.”
During the ceremony, held in the club’s boardroom, Mourinho emphasized that this return holds special significance for him. He stated that, professionally speaking, Real Madrid represents “the pinnacle of a coach’s career,” but acknowledged that there is now an even greater emotional component.
“Emotionally, it’s even better than the first time,” said the Portuguese coach, recalling his arrival at the club in 2010.
Mourinho explained that his first stint was marked by the feeling of reaching the pinnacle of his professional career, while this return is driven primarily by the emotional bond he maintains with the club.
“It’s like coming home,” summarized the coach, who received a replica of the stadium, a watch, and a jersey with his name on it during the ceremony.
The coach also noted that, since leaving the club in 2013, he has maintained his emotional connection to Real Madrid and assured that he now accepts the opportunity to work for the club again with a great sense of responsibility. The club decided to hold this presentation without fans or a press conference, as part of a new series of private events aimed at showcasing the new additions to the first team.
Mourinho’s return is part of a revamped project at Real Madrid, which has also brought in Dutch player Denzel Dumfries, Spaniards Marc Cucurella and Carlos Espí, Portuguese player Bernardo Silva, French player Ibrahima Konaté, and Ivorian player Yan Diomandé—who could end up being the most expensive signing in the club’s history after add-on fees.
Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho’s first competitive match of the season is this Saturday, August 22, vs. Espanyol.
