As preparations continue behind the scenes for José Mourinho’s expected return to Real Madrid, the Portuguese manager has already made his position very clear to club president Florentino Pérez regarding the squad.
According to reports from Diario AS, Mourinho has told Pérez that reputation and star power alone will not guarantee playing time under his management. The veteran coach reportedly wants players who are ready to “run and fight” for the badge every single match.
The message is seen as an early warning to several members of the current squad ahead of the 2026/27 season. Mourinho is expected to demand discipline, intensity, and total commitment from every player, regardless of status or popularity.
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has already revealed that Mourinho’s move to Real Madrid is effectively completed, with only the official announcement still pending. The deal is understood to be fully agreed behind closed doors.
This would mark Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid after his first stint between 2010 and 2013. During that period, he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup while building one of the most competitive Madrid sides of the modern era.
Now, Mourinho appears ready to bring back the same aggressive mentality that defined his earlier years at the club. Sources close to the situation believe he wants a team built on work rate, defensive discipline, and strong mentality rather than individual fame.