Mourinho Says He Returned to Real Madrid Out of Love for the Club

Jose Mourinho said he came back to Real Madrid because he loves the club, after the Spanish giants announced last week that he would return as coach, a decade after his previous spell in 2012/13. In his first interview since the appointment, the Portuguese manager outlined a plan built on calm, analysis, communication and honest dialogue with everyone involved.

Mourinho also reflected on Real Madrid’s identity and history, saying the club’s greatness comes not only from its players but also from its trophies and legacy. “You cannot compare it to any other club,” he said, adding that “the white shirt has always had something magical.”

Responding to criticism of his supposedly defensive style, Mourinho pushed back by citing his own record at the club. “The team that scored the most goals in the history of Spanish football was my Real Madrid. Was it really that defensive?” he asked. He also recalled the Clasico rivalry with Barcelona, saying those games made the whole world stop, comparing them to the great tennis battles involving Federer, Djokovic and Nadal.

Mourinho was asked about Kylian Mbappe and said he had only known him through media reports so far. He called the French star “a phenomenal player” and said he would try to help him improve further. “I am here for him and for everyone,” Mourinho said.