José Mourinho Begins Second Era at Real Madrid
José Mourinho is not waiting for the official start date. While the squad’s return from holiday is set for next Monday, the Portuguese coach has already reported for duty at Real Madrid City, marking day one of his second spell in charge.
He announced it in the most modern way possible: a photo from Valdebebas on his social media, paired with a brief, loaded message. “Let’s go!!”
No grand speech, no manifesto. Just a coach who knows exactly what awaits him walking back into one of the most demanding jobs in world football. Excitement, yes. Pressure, certainly. And a long list of challenges that will define this new chapter.
Valdebebas wakes up on July 13
The real noise begins next Monday, July 13. That’s when activity at Valdebebas is scheduled to properly kick off, starting with the players who did not take part in the World Cup.
It will be a mixed group. Young talents and established names rolling into the training ground for medicals and first contact with Mourinho 2.0. Among those expected: Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono and Trent Alexander-Arnold, along with several others due to undergo their medical examinations before stepping onto the pitch.
For some, it will be an introduction. For others, a reunion with a figure they’ve only known from television soundbites and touchline flashpoints. Either way, the tone of preseason will be set quickly.
Khedira returns in a new role
Behind the scenes, Mourinho has moved just as decisively. His coaching staff for the season is already locked in.
Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado will join him as assistant coaches, but the standout name is a familiar one in Madrid: Sami Khedira. The former midfielder, once a key piece in Mourinho’s first tenure at the club, returns not in boots but on the bench, stepping into an assistant role as he begins a new phase of his career.
It is a symbolic appointment as much as a tactical one. Khedira knows the club, knows the expectations, knows the man in charge. Now he helps transmit that to a new generation.
The structure is clear. Antonio Días will oversee fitness, tasked with shaping a squad capable of surviving a long, brutal season at the highest level. Nuno Santos takes charge of the goalkeepers, a specialist role in a team where every save, every mistake, is magnified.
Mourinho has walked back into Valdebebas with his message, his staff, and his intent already on display. The holidays are not quite over for everyone, but for Real Madrid’s new manager, the second era has already begun.
