José Mourinho Starts Second Era at Real Madrid

José Mourinho has never been one for waiting around. The official return date from the holidays is next Monday, but the Portuguese coach has already reported for duty at Real Madrid City, marking the unofficial start of his second spell in charge.

On his social media, Mourinho posted an image from his first day back at the club’s facilities, accompanied by a brief message that captured his mood and intent: “Let’s go!!”. No grand speech, no extended manifesto. Just a sharp, familiar rallying cry from Setúbal, and a clear signal that the work has begun.

This is a new chapter for Mourinho at a club where expectations never dip. The excitement is obvious, but so are the looming challenges. He returns to a different dressing room, a different era, and a squad that will be filtered in gradually over the coming days.

Valdebebas set to fill up

The real bustle at Valdebebas starts on Monday, July 13. That is when the players who did not feature at the World Cup are scheduled to report for the first day of pre-season activity, beginning with medical examinations.

Among those expected are Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono and Trent Alexander-Arnold, along with several others who will form the first group under Mourinho’s direct gaze. For some, it will be an introduction. For others, a chance to convince. For all of them, it is the start of a new hierarchy being built and judged by one of the game’s most demanding coaches.

Khedira returns in a new role

Behind the scenes, Mourinho has already locked in the structure around him. His coaching staff for the season is confirmed, and it features a notable return.

Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado will join him as assistant coaches, forming part of the inner circle that will shape training sessions, tactical plans and daily work at Real Madrid City. Alongside them, a familiar name to Madridistas steps back into the club environment: Sami Khedira, also as an assistant coach.

Khedira, once a key figure in Mourinho’s midfield during his first tenure, now reappears on the other side of the touchline. The former midfielder brings recent playing experience and a deep understanding of the club’s demands into the technical area, a bridge between eras in the most literal sense.

The backroom team is rounded out by Antonio Días as fitness coach, tasked with sharpening a squad that will be stretched across multiple fronts, and Nuno Santos as goalkeeping coach, responsible for one of the most scrutinised positions in world football.

The holidays are not quite over for everyone at Real Madrid. But with Mourinho already pacing the training pitches at Valdebebas and his staff in place, the second act has started to take shape—quietly for now, though it will not stay quiet for long.