José Mourinho returns to Real Madrid. Exactly thirteen years after leaving the Spanish club for the last time, the Portuguese tactician was appointed head coach with a three-year contract, valid till June 2029. One of the biggest managerial comebacks in Europe took place at Madrid. Mourinho, whose objective would be to get Real Madrid back on track after two years without trophies, received support from the club's president, Florentino Pérez, who was re-elected a week ago. Mourinho, who just won the national championship unbeaten with his former team Benfica, officially starts working at Madrid on July 13 when the club begins its preseason camp.

Madrid made the official announcement on Mourinho's return following Arbeloa's departure, which was finalized last week. Benfica also announced Mourinho's departure, as the transfer included compensation to the club, estimated at €15 million. Mourinho, who helped the Spanish club to win the title of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercup, is expected to take most of his coaching team to Madrid.

Assignment to End Title Drought

Florentino Pérez believes that Mourinho’s strong leadership and personality can help restore stability at a club as he said, "We are proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho. And rest assured, with me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members."

For Mourinho, the top priority is to break Real Madrid's frustrating streak without any major trophies. The team has gone two whole seasons without lifting a significant title, even with superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on the roster. Last season was particularly tough, as Madrid lagged far behind Barcelona in La Liga and faced a disappointing exit from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich. The situation was further complicated by managerial shifts involving Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa.

Now, Mourinho steps into a squad brimming with talent but lacking in consistency. His first tasks will be to instill better discipline in the dressing room, rebuild the players' confidence, and get the best out of key individuals. Additionally, Madrid is on the lookout for new talent in defense and midfield, all part of their mission to reclaim their status at the pinnacle of both Spanish and European football.

Why He Can Be the Ideal Coach for Real Madrid

Mourinho’s initial stint at Real Madrid makes a compelling case for his comeback. From 2010 to 2013, he clinched three domestic trophies, including the remarkable 2011-12 La Liga title, where his team set a record for points. He also led the club to three straight Champions League semi-finals during a time when Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona was dominating the scene.

While his reputation has shifted since those days, his wealth of experience is still invaluable. After leaving Madrid, Mourinho has taken the reins at Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahçe, and Benfica. Although he’s only secured one trophy in the past four years - the 2022 UEFA Conference League with Roma - that has been grappling with internal strife and mounting pressure. For Madrid, bringing Mourinho back isn’t merely a trip down memory lane; it’s a strategic move to reintroduce a coach who has already thrived under the intense expectations of the Bernabéu.