Jose Mourinho says his return to Real Madrid will be a more “emotional and heartfelt experience” than his first spell in charge as he begins a three-year attempt to restore the club to major-trophy success.
The 63-year-old Portuguese coach returned to the Spanish club this summer after Alvaro Arbeloa’s departure. Arbeloa is now manager of Fulham.
Mourinho has been brought in with Real Madrid having gone two seasons without winning a major trophy. His immediate task will be to end that run, beginning with Saturday’s LaLiga opener against Espanyol.
The club have made an encouraging start to their preparations under Mourinho, winning four of their five pre-season matches and drawing the other.
Mourinho’s first period in charge of Real Madrid ran from 2010 to 2013. It was defined in part by an intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, during which Real Madrid won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana.
Despite the high-profile battles of that era, Mourinho believes his return will carry a different feeling and involve less tension in the dugout.
“This is like coming home,” Mourinho said at his official presentation.
“Emotionally, it’s even more special than the first time because then it was about reaching the top of the world, and now it’s a more emotional and heartfelt experience.
“I’m one of you, I always have been, and you can imagine what it means to me to work for Real Madrid.
“This is a principle that everyone has to follow: work for Real Madrid, which means working for you.
“Words aren’t enough, because it’s like a mission. It’s not about being worried about myself or whether I’m going to earn a lot or a little.
“I’m here to help everyone be better: players, staff. To create a culture of work, responsibility, ambition, and something I know well, which is the responsibility and honour of working for Real Madrid. I really like this concept.”
Mourinho’s first Real Madrid tenure delivered three major domestic honours, although it also unfolded during a period of considerable pressure as the club sought to challenge Barcelona’s dominance.
This time, he is returning to a club that has spent two seasons without a major trophy and has appointed him on a contract lasting until the end of the next three seasons.
His pre-season record has offered an early indication of progress, with four victories from five matches before the competitive campaign begins against Espanyol.
Mourinho’s message at his presentation focused on service to the club and its supporters. He said his role was not centred on personal matters, including how much he would earn, but on improving the players and staff while establishing a stronger working culture.
He also stressed the responsibility and honour attached to representing Real Madrid, describing the job as a mission rather than simply another managerial appointment.
