Thirteen years after his departure, José Mourinho is back in his natural habitat at Valdebebas.
The Portuguese tactician officially launched his second era as Real Madrid manager, taking charge of his first preseason training session at Ciudad Real Madrid. Following morning medical examinations, Mourinho led a high-intensity evening session, signaling the start of a highly anticipated second tenure in the Spanish capital.
Setting the Culture: Auditions in a Skeleton Squad
Due to the recently concluded international tournament cycle, Mourinho’s first session was deliberately stripped back. Several major superstars are on staggered holiday schedules and won’t report for several weeks.
In their absence, the manager wasted no time molding the next generation. A skeleton first-team group featuring Eduardo Camavinga, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Franco Mastantuono was heavily bolstered by 16 academy prospects from Castilla looking to make a lasting impression.
The opening day was characterized by:
- Tactical Activation: Transitioning swiftly from gym work to tactical activation drills on the pitch.
- High-Pressure Drills: Demanding possession exercises, tight-space distribution, and sharp finishing drills.
- Competitive Scrimmages: Small-sided matches designed to test the technical security of the younger players under intense pressure.
Meanwhile, returning players Eder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo continued their individual recovery programs on the sidelines.
Overhauling the Backroom: The Mourinho Blueprint
Mourinho has lost no time asserting his authority behind the scenes, initiating structural changes to the first-team staff to establish his preferred culture immediately.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MOURINHO'S BACKROOM CHANGES │
├──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┤
│ Incoming Staff │ Role / Status │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Nuno Santos │ Goalkeeping Coach (replaces │
│ │ Luis Llopis) │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Sandro Carriço │ Sports Physiologist │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Antonio Pintus │ Retained as Fitness Director │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Sami Khedira │ Assistant Coach (Liaison) │
└──────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┘
By bringing in a trusted core—including Nuno Santos and Sandro Carriço—Mourinho is building a specialized, modern support system designed to minimize injuries and maximize physical output. The retention of legendary fitness coach Antonio Pintus and the addition of former Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira showcase a calculated mix of Mourinho’s inner circle and established club figures.
Looking Ahead: The Preseason Road Map
As Mourinho’s squad slowly integrates its remaining international stars in waves over the coming weeks, the team’s eyes are set on their opening tests.
Real Madrid’s confirmed preseason fixtures begin on August 1 against ACF Fiorentina at the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt, Austria. The club will also face Deportivo de La Coruña in the Teresa Herrera Trophy on August 12 before embarking on what promises to be a highly competitive domestic and European campaign.