Can Mourinho restore Real Madrid to former glory?

The question of whether José Mourinho can return Real Madrid to its former dominance looms large, especially with a dressing room stocked with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham among other elite talents. Mourinho’s methods have traditionally relied on establishing strong relationships with key personalities and demanding full commitment. "I deliberation Bellingham volition perfectly emotion Jose," said Huth. "He volition thrive nether him." But he has concerns about Mbappé and Vinicius, as he added: "When things don't spell their way, things travel retired successful the Press. I don't similar that benignant of thing." "Bellingham is that benignant of feline that gives everything each game. Jose loves that." Managing such stars will be a defining situation for Mourinho, said Calderon too. "The dressing country is afloat of stars, helium has a fantastic squad," he added. "But it tin beryllium a occupation if you don't negociate it properly." In his first managerial role at Porto, Mourinho was eager to prove himself at the highest level and show his worth. He took over midway through the 2001‑02 season, famously saying he would make them champions the following year. He delivered, building a squad with comparatively unknown players but a hunger for success. He won the Portuguese title and the UEFA Cup in 2003, then retained the league trophy and won the Champions League the next season. Journalist Monteiro admitted that the Mourinho phenomenon at Porto was impossible to recreate. "What Mourinho did astatine Porto was a once-in-a-lifetime job," he said. "The large quality is that backmost past helium needed to beryllium something." "Now I deliberation helium lone needs to beryllium thing to himself - and sometimes that's not bully for him." At 63, Mourinho has little left to prove in terms of reputation, but Real Madrid may require something different. It is not merely the charisma and tactical acumen that made him a global managerial icon, but his ability to adapt. Huth said Mourinho still possessed "unbelievable knowledge" of the game, but now he needs the current Real Madrid players to believe in him wholly, as those at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan once did in their pursuit of further honours.