Jose Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid begins in Barcelona this weekend in La Liga, although at Espanyol rather than up against his and Los Blancos’ bitter rivals. The veteran Portuguese coach returns to the club 16 years after first being appointed but charged with a similar task, deposing Barcelona as the leading club in Spain. Mourinho is also aiming to restore some of the intensity and attitude that defined his first Madrid reign, between 2010-2013, after two seasons without winning a major trophy steered president Florentino Perez back to him.
None of Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso or Alvaro Arbeloa could fit the team’s attacking stars — Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham — in together without compromising the team defensively. Mourinho made clear from his first days back at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground what it is he wants from his team. Diomande’s arrival adds yet another major attacking threat to a squad that already boasts plenty of them. It may be former Manchester City midfielder Silva who proves the more significant signing when it comes to balance. Madrid have spent years trying to move on from the era of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, whose ability to control matches allowed the forwards great freedom and reduced the team’s exposure to relentless opposition attacks.
“I’m much more mature, less emotional, and more in control… as always, learning from mistakes,” said the 63-year-old this week, although he insisted he was not “more boring”. “I am here… to create a culture of work, responsibility, ambition,” said Mourinho, describing his role as a “mission”.
