Mourinho Returns to Real Madrid and Declares Mbappé Stratospheric
The Portuguese tactician was officially unveiled as the new Real Madrid manager and immediately spoke about his stars, former coaches, and the failed Rodri transfer.
The Portuguese tactician was officially unveiled as the new Real Madrid manager and immediately spoke about his stars, former coaches, and the failed Rodri transfer.
José Mourinho has finally been officially unveiled as the manager of Real Madrid for the second time in his career. The seasoned Portuguese tactician has signed a contract until June 2029, and at his presentation, he did not hide his excitement about returning to the club he calls home.
"For me, this is a homecoming. It's even more beautiful and exciting than the first time, now more emotional and personal," said Mourinho, as reported by HRT. He particularly praised the team's two biggest stars, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
He had nothing but praise for the French striker. "His level is simply stratospheric. He's truly incredible! He makes me laugh in training because he's just too good," he stated. Mourinho also highlighted Mbappé's work ethic: "Mbappé could have arrived on August 14, but he came on August 12 because he wanted to be ready for the match against Schalke. He trains hard, with the same dedication and desire as everyone else."
Mourinho confirmed that he directly influenced Vinícius Júnior's decision to stay in Madrid. "I told him to stay. I wanted him here and told him there's nothing like Real," he said. He also reflected on the past season and former coaches Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, who, as he put it, "paid the price."
He also touched on the failed transfer of Spanish midfielder Rodri. "I spoke with him several times. Real Madrid made him a very good offer. But Rodri had doubts, he hesitated, and his doubts caused doubts in me. Real Madrid cannot have players who think twice about whether to come or not. However, he was very respectful," Mourinho explained, adding that he has other solutions for his role in the team.
The new manager of the Madrid giants made it clear what he expects from his players. "I primarily want common sense. Be here an hour before training, not five minutes. Have a proper breakfast. Go to the gym," he said. When asked if Real still needs reinforcements, he answered negatively: "No. I like this team. We have solutions and players. I also believe I can improve the players who are already here."
Mourinho also briefly and strikingly commented on the Negreira case: "When I was first here, I smelled something."
