Jose Mourinho is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu dugout as Real Madrid manager when they face Inter Milan in their opening UEFA Champions League league-phase match on Tuesday. The fixture carries significant historical weight, as Mourinho previously led Inter to a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the 2010 final, a triumph that preceded his first spell at the Spanish club.
Sixteen years after that iconic win, Mourinho views the upcoming encounter as a fresh start rather than a revisit to past grievances. He explicitly stated that his departure in 2013 is a “closed chapter” and insisted that the current match is unrelated to his previous tenure, during which Real Madrid won La Liga and the Copa del Rey but fell short in three consecutive Champions League semi-finals.
The Portuguese manager described the campaign as a new beginning at what he called “the best club in the world.” He acknowledged the pressure of restoring stability after a difficult previous season, noting that “Real is Real and at Real Madrid, you have to win.” Kylian Mbappe echoed this sentiment, highlighting Mourinho’s experience in managing elite dressing rooms and his proven ability to motivate squads for major European success.
Real Madrid’s preparation has faced minor hurdles, including a recent domestic defeat to Real Betis. Mourinho attributed the loss to an inability to convert offensive output into goals, while Mbappe focused on his missed penalty opportunity but dismissed concerns about the team’s trophy drought from the past two seasons.
The connection between Mourinho and Inter remains warm despite the competitive nature of the fixture. An Italian journalist presented Mourinho with a garden sprinkler during a press conference, a symbolic nod to the 2010 semi-final against Barcelona at Camp Nou, where stadium sprinklers were activated as Inter players celebrated on the pitch. Mourinho welcomed the gesture but affirmed that he will not be viewing Inter colleagues as friends during the 90 minutes of play.
While Mourinho suggested the single match will not define the entire campaign, he emphasized the importance of every point as both teams aim to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
He claims it’s a closed chapter, but everyone knows the pressure is immense. Results matter more than feelings.
I’m still waiting for that sprinkler gift! Would love to see Mourinho react with humor rather than serious tactics tonight.
Mbappe’s presence seems to be the key factor here. Does Mourinho know how to finally unlock that potential?
Sweet memories of 2010! But I suppose Inter has nothing to fear from his old friend on the touchline.
Finally, Mourinho back at the Bernabeu! I hope he brings that winning mentality back to Real Madrid.