Real Madrid is clearly not satisfied with their current position. Two consecutive seasons behind Barcelona in La Liga is an unacceptable result for a team that always considers the domestic championship and Champions League as the ultimate goal. That is also the reason Jose Mourinho was once again called to the Bernabeu.
13 years after leaving Real Madrid, Mourinho returned with a not small task: to knock out Hansi Flick's Barcelona and bring Los Blancos back to the number one position in Spain. Further, he also has to help "The White Vultures" improve their performance in the Champions League, where Real Madrid no longer maintains the stability of previous years.
Mourinho's first term at Real Madrid was not completely successful, but the La Liga championship in the 2011-2012 season was still a special milestone. Los Blancos then won 100 points, won 32 matches and set a record of 16 away wins. That was the Real Madrid version rich in strength, direct and extremely effective that fans expected Mourinho could recreate.
However, 13 years is long enough time for football to completely change. Mourinho is also no longer at his peak as he was when leading Porto, Chelsea, Inter or Real Madrid. In recent years, he has continuously moved clubs and his achievements are no longer commensurate with his reputation. However, the Portuguese strategist still shows his ability to create teams that are difficult to defeat.
Last season, Mourinho's Benfica shocked when they defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in the Champions League. That is a reminder that he is still capable of preparing a team for big matches. The question is whether Mourinho can maintain that for a whole season or not.
Real Madrid is also preparing for a rebuild. Yan Diomande is a noteworthy signing, while Marc Cucurella brings an additional option on the left flank. These additions show that Real Madrid is not only changing on the coaching bench but also wants to give Mourinho a team capable of competing.
However, owning many stars does not mean a balanced team. Mourinho will have to find a way to connect outstanding individuals into an effective operating system. This is especially a difficult problem in midfield, where Real Madrid needs to control the match better instead of just relying on the ability to create breakthroughs of the stars above.
The attack is still a big mainstay. Vinicius Junior continues to stay after signing a new contract, while Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham bring enough quality for Real Madrid to make every defense wary. If Mourinho can maximize this trio while maintaining balance behind, Los Blancos will become a formidable opponent.
But Barcelona is the real measure. Hansi Flick has helped the Catalan team dominate La Liga for two consecutive seasons and own a promising young generation. Real Madrid not only needs to win more matches, they must find a way to regain the initiative in the direct confrontation with their arch-rival.
Mourinho understands the pressure at the Bernabeu very well. This is not a job for a coach who only needs to rebuild the team in a few years. Real Madrid needs titles immediately.
Therefore, the 2026-2027 season will be a special test for Mourinho. If he succeeds, his return after 13 years will become one of Real Madrid's boldest but most valuable decisions. If it fails, the question of whether Mourinho is still suitable for the peak of European football will reappear.
