Former Real Madrid player, coach, and sporting director Jorge Valdano shared his thoughts on the possibility of Jose Mourinho returning to the Santiago Bernabéu, raising questions about whether the Portuguese manager’s second spell would remain calm once results inevitably become complicated.
Speaking on La Casa del Futbol, Valdano suggested Mourinho would likely arrive with a more measured approach initially, but warned that the true test would come later in the season.
“We’ll see what happens as
time goes on and when defeats come,” Valdano said. “Will peace be possible, or will we continue with this somewhat turbulent situation?”
Mourinho has frequently been linked with a return to Real Madrid in recent years, more than a decade after leaving the club in 2013. His first tenure remains one of the most polarizing periods in modern Madrid history — remembered both for ending Barcelona’s domestic dominance and for the tension and division that eventually emerged around the club.
Valdano, who famously clashed with Mourinho during their time together at Madrid, appeared to suggest that the Portuguese coach may attempt to return with a different tone this time around.
“I think Mourinho will arrive with his most seductive side,” Valdano explained. “At the beginning, everything will be very calm.”
The Argentine also pointed to scheduling circumstances that could help Mourinho settle in more smoothly if he were to return now compared to previous chaotic managerial transitions.
“I think the players will respond well because there’s no Club World Cup in between,” Valdano said. “I suppose the preseason will be a bit more demanding, and that will help the squad perform better.”
Despite discussing Mourinho’s potential impact, Valdano stressed that Real Madrid’s problems cannot be solved by a coach alone and emphasized the need for reinforcements across the squad.
“Anyway, Mourinho can’t fix this alone,” he said.
Valdano specifically highlighted the club’s defensive deficiencies, claiming Madrid still need major additions at the back as well as a midfielder capable of balancing the team structurally.
“At least four defenders are missing, and they need a midfielder to give balance to the squad,” Valdano stated.
Valdano also suggested Florentino Pérez would be reluctant to part ways with key figures inside the dressing room despite the need for changes.
“Florentino is not going to sell heroes,” he said.
Mourinho’s original spell at Real Madrid lasted from 2010 to 2013 and included one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and one Spanish Super Cup. While his Madrid side became known for its intensity, physicality, and record-breaking domestic performances, the era was also marked by high-profile internal conflicts and growing tension behind the scenes.
Valdano himself departed the club during Mourinho’s first season after a well-documented power struggle with the Portuguese coach.
