On Tuesday, José Mourinho expressed that his return to Real Madrid feels “like coming home” as he gears up to lead the team in LaLiga for the first time since 2013.
This Saturday, Madrid will face Espanyol in their opening league match, having brought Mourinho on board along with six new signings: Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espí in a significant summer overhaul.
Mourinho previously managed Madrid for three seasons from 2010 to 2013, during which he secured one LaLiga title and one Copa del Rey. After his time at Madrid, he went on to coach Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, AS Roma, Fenerbahce, and Benfica before stepping in to replace Álvaro Arbeloa at the Bernabéu.
Since last month, Mourinho has been overseeing preseason training at Valdebebas, and he was formally presented—at an event closed to the media—alongside president Florentino Pérez on Tuesday, officially signing a three-year contract.
“Real Madrid represents the pinnacle of a coach’s career from a professional standpoint,” Mourinho told Real Madrid TV. “But emotionally, it’s like coming home. It feels even more beautiful than my first time here; the first time was about professional achievement, and now it carries greater emotional weight.”
During his initial tenure, Mourinho’s team competed fiercely against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, with his Madrid squad setting LaLiga records for total points and goals scored in the 2011-2012 season.
“I consider myself one of you,” Mourinho said in a message to the fans. “I always have been since I arrived here, and now returning with this responsibility means the world to me. I want everyone at Valdebebas to share this sentiment and commit to working for Real Madrid.”
In preparation for the new season, Mourinho’s Madrid has participated in four preseason friendlies, drawing 2-2 against Fiorentina, winning 2-1 against Ferencváros, securing a 1-0 victory against Deportivo La Coruña, and beating Schalke 3-0 on Sunday.