Mourinho’s calmer, three‑year return aims to revive Real Madrid

José Mourinho signed a three‑year contract on June 11th at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Portuguese manager returned after a 13‑year absence, reuniting with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Courtois said the manager now appears calmer and more mature than when they worked together in London.

Mourinho’s renewed role at the Bernabéu

The 63‑year‑old was hired to rebuild Los Blancos after two trophyless seasons and to challenge Barcelona’s domestic dominance. Courtois recalled playing under Mourinho at Chelsea in the 2014–15 season, when they won the Premier League together. “It was really exciting to have him back. He fills the room,” Courtois said, adding that the manager’s presence was exactly what the squad needed.

He noted that Mourinho himself admits to being more mature now. Courtois observed that Mourinho is a little calmer than the intense, heavy‑handed figure he remembered from twelve years ago, though his personality remains the same. After two early defeats in his second spell, Mourinho has steadied the team’s form, Courtois said, hoping the positive run continues. In his first spell from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho oversaw 178 matches, winning the 2011 Copa del Rey, the 2011–12 La Liga title and the 2012 Spanish Super Cup.