José Mourinho Kicks Off Second Stint at Real Madrid
In a noteworthy return to the Bernabéu, José Mourinho officially commenced his second spell as Real Madrid manager on Monday morning, July 13, 2026. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the Portuguese tactician opened pre-season with a series of medical examinations at the Clínica Sanitas, before donning his tracksuit for the first training session at 5 PM.
Who’s In and Who’s Out on Day One
The inaugural training session was intentionally minimalistic in nature. A host of stars, including Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Thibaut Courtois, missed the proceedings due to their World Cup obligations, with their returns scheduled to be staggered over the coming weeks. On the pitch, however, fans could spot the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dean Huijsen—who had the unique distinction of being the very first to train under Mourinho’s watchful eye.
To augment the numbers for his training sessions, Mourinho has enlisted players from the Castilla team, an unconventional approach that underscores the complexities of a pre-season influenced by the World Cup timetable. It’s evident that assembling a complete squad will take time, with the full roster only beginning to take shape in the weeks ahead.
The Backdrop to a New Era
Mourinho’s arrival comes on the heels of a turbulent period for Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso’s tenure lasted just a year, while Álvaro Arbeloa, who stepped in from youth-team duties, was unable to provide the stability the club craved, spending a mere six months at the helm. The message is unmistakable: this squad possesses undeniable talent but has struggled to translate that ability into consistent silverware.
Since his appointment, Mourinho has been laying the groundwork for his vision, a process set into motion following Florentino Pérez’s re-election as club president. The first day of training signifies the transition from planning to implementation, with early signs indicating recruitment efforts and coaching staff changes are already underway, hinting at Mourinho’s intended direction for the team.
What Lies Ahead
As of now, a formal press conference to introduce Mourinho has yet to be scheduled, with no date confirmed. Meanwhile, transfer activities loom like an open question: reports suggest that both arrivals and departures are possible as the club navigates player dynamics. While the core of the squad appears stable, the real assessments of this new Mourinho era will take shape once the international players rejoin and the competitive season commences.
For now, all eyes are on the training ground at Valdebebas, where Mourinho’s legacy may once again be written in the annals of Real Madrid history.
