How Did Mourinho’s Return to Real Madrid Happen?

According to sources close to the negotiations, Real Madrid finalized Mourinho’s return on June 11, 2024, following a series of high-level discussions between the club’s president, Florentino Pérez, and Mourinho’s representatives. The agreement includes a three-year contract, with an option for a fourth year, and reportedly carries a salary in the range of €12–15 million per season, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in world football.

The decision to bring back Mourinho—who won two La Liga titles, a UEFA Champions League, and a Copa del Rey during his first spell at Madrid—was driven by the club’s desire to stabilize its domestic form and regain its dominance in Spain’s top flight. Real Madrid finished third in La Liga last season, their worst placement since 2012, and suffered an early exit from the Champions League, further complicating Florentino Pérez’s legacy ahead of the 2025 World Cup in Spain.

Who Are the Six Players on Mourinho’s ‘Blacklist’?

Mourinho has reportedly drawn up a list of six players he does not wish to manage at Real Madrid, a tactic he has used before in his career. While the club has not officially confirmed the names, sources close to the situation—including former Madrid players and agents—have identified the following players as potential targets for exclusion:

• Kylian Mbappé – The French forward’s high-profile transfer from PSG to Madrid in 2023 has made him a focal point in the dressing room. Mourinho has historically clashed with star players who demand excessive attention.
• Vinícius Júnior – The Brazilian winger’s close relationship with former manager Carlo Ancelotti and his high media profile could make him a liability in Mourinho’s system.
• Jude Bellingham – The England captain’s leadership role and his status as a club icon may conflict with Mourinho’s preference for a more hierarchical approach.
• Rodrygo – The Brazilian forward’s inconsistent form and occasional clashes with teammates have drawn criticism from Mourinho in the past.
• Federico Valverde – The Uruguayan midfielder’s vocal leadership style and past criticism of the club’s management could be seen as a challenge to Mourinho’s authority.
• Éder Militão – The Brazilian defender’s defensive style and occasional public comments may not align with Mourinho’s tactical preferences.

Note: Real Madrid has not confirmed these names, and the list may evolve as Mourinho assesses the squad during pre-season. The club has historically been reluctant to publicly address such matters to avoid disrupting team unity.

Why Is Mourinho Demanding a ‘Soldier’ Before Anyone Else?

Mourinho has made it clear that his first priority in rebuilding the dressing room is securing a player who embodies his tactical and mental philosophy: a “soldier.” According to Sport.fr, this role is likely to be filled by a defensive midfielder or center-back who can shield the backline, press opponents effectively, and enforce Mourinho’s defensive structure.

Possible targets for this role include:

• Casemiro – The Brazilian midfielder, who has experience playing under Mourinho at Real Madrid, is a natural fit for this position. His physicality and defensive awareness align with Mourinho’s demands.
• Dani Carvajal – The Spanish right-back has shown defensive capabilities in recent seasons and could be repositioned in a deeper role.
• David Alaba – The Austrian versatile midfielder has experience playing in defensive roles and could adapt to Mourinho’s system.

Mourinho’s insistence on this profile reflects his belief that a strong defensive anchor is essential for his high-pressing, counter-attacking style. Without such a player, he has indicated he may struggle to implement his preferred tactics.

What Does Mourinho’s Return Mean for Real Madrid’s 2024-25 Season?

Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid arrives at a critical juncture for the club. Here’s how his return could impact the coming season:

1. La Liga Title Challenge

Real Madrid finished third in La Liga last season, behind Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. Mourinho’s track record in Spain suggests he can deliver immediate results—he won two La Liga titles in his first spell at Madrid (2011-12, 2012-13). However, his later stints at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur showed that his success is highly dependent on squad quality and tactical adaptability.

With a squad that includes Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, Madrid has the firepower to challenge Barcelona for the title. But Mourinho’s ability to manage egos and extract peak performances from star players will be tested.

2. Champions League Ambitions

Real Madrid’s early exit from the Champions League last season (defeated by Bayern Munich in the Round of 16) was a major embarrassment. Mourinho’s experience in Europe—he has won the Champions League twice (once with Inter Milan, once with Real Madrid)—could help the club regain its footing in the competition.

However, the group stage draw for the 2024-25 season has not yet been confirmed. If Madrid faces a tough group (e.g., Bayern Munich, Manchester City, or Barcelona), Mourinho’s ability to navigate such challenges will be scrutinized early.

3. Squad Stability and Transfers

Mourinho has historically been vocal about his squad’s composition. His “blacklist” of six players suggests he may push for changes in the transfer window. Key targets could include:

• A defensive midfielder to replace Casemiro (who is likely to leave this summer).
• A center-back to provide leadership in defense.
• A creative midfielder to complement Mbappé and Vinícius.

Florentino Pérez has €100 million allocated for transfers this summer, but Mourinho may demand more resources to rebuild the squad according to his vision.

How Does Mourinho’s Return Compare to His Previous Tenures at Real Madrid?

Mourinho’s first spell at Real Madrid (2010–2013) was marked by immediate success, including two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, and a Champions League triumph in 2014 (though he left before that final). His departure in 2013 was controversial, with reports of clashes with the board and players.

Since then, Mourinho has managed at Chelsea (twice), Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and most recently Benfica. His time at Benfica (2021–2024) was less successful, with inconsistent form and a failure to win major trophies. This contrast raises questions about whether his return to Madrid will bring the same level of success.

Key Differences:

• Squad Quality: Mourinho’s first Madrid team included stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Iker Casillas—players who thrived under his leadership. The current squad is younger and more reliant on Mbappé and Bellingham.
• Tactical Evolution: Mourinho has adapted his style over the years, incorporating more possession-based football at Benfica. Whether he will revert to his traditional counter-attacking approach remains to be seen.
• Board Dynamics: Florentino Pérez has shown willingness to accommodate Mourinho’s demands in the past. However, Mourinho’s reputation for high turnover (he has managed 11 clubs in 20 years) means Madrid may face uncertainty if results do not improve quickly.

What Are the Next Steps for Mourinho and Real Madrid?

Mourinho’s official presentation at Real Madrid is expected to take place on June 14, 2024, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The pre-season training camp will begin on July 1, with the first official match scheduled for July 20 against Leganés in a friendly.

Key milestones to watch:

• June 14: Mourinho’s official presentation at the Santiago Bernabéu.
• July 1–31: Pre-season training camp and friendly matches.
• August 17: La Liga season opener against Getafe (venue: Santiago Bernabéu).
• August 20: Supercopa de España final (if Madrid qualifies).
• September 17–18: Champions League group stage begins.

Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how quickly Mourinho can instill his philosophy into the squad and whether his tactical demands will lead to immediate improvements.