Mourinho Expresses Optimism Despite Absence of Real Madrid Stars

José Mourinho has started his renewed role at Real Madrid with notable seriousness and enthusiasm, sharing his first image in the club's jersey on social media accompanied by a brief, direct message expressing his strong desire for success, stating on Instagram: "Let's go!"

The Portuguese coach arrives full of energy and passion to work with the players, motivated by a significant emotional drive to return to a place that was once his home. He previously managed the team between 2010 and 2013, during which he secured the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey.

In an interview with Real Madrid's television channel, Mourinho revealed insights into the preparation process, as reported by the Spanish newspaper Marca: "We are working very seriously. It is not as if I arrived today and everything just started. We have been working hard for a long time with the club's administrative structure at various levels. Today, we can work remotely because technology helps us a lot, and today was practically just a matter of arriving and taking control of everything that has been accomplished and what still needs to be done."

Mourinho expressed great happiness about returning, describing his presence at the royal club as a special mission: "Words are not enough because it feels like a mission. It's not about worrying about myself or whether I will win a lot or a little. I am here to help everyone be better: the players, the staff, to create a culture of work, responsibility, ambition, and something I know well, which is the responsibility and honor of working for Real Madrid. I truly love this concept. It is not about working at Real Madrid, but working for Real Madrid. And with this mission-like spirit, I am here."

Upon arriving in the Spanish capital this morning, Mourinho headed directly to the "Valdebebas" training center, utilizing the current weekend to finalize preparations before the new season's pre-season period begins on Monday, July 13. This day will mark the first gathering of available players for medical examinations and their initial meeting with the new coach and his technical staff.

Real Madrid’s preparations will commence with an incomplete squad due to the absence of key players participating in the World Cup, a situation Mourinho views differently. He stated: "We have to move forward in the next two weeks with a positive outlook because, obviously, I would have liked all the players to be here. But we have to look at it positively, which is to get to know the young players I will be working with and give them the chance to get to know me. During the preparation period, many of these young players from the Castilla team will be here, and I also enjoy participating and helping to develop this sector. We are here, and some World Cup winners will arrive later. With great confidence and a deep feeling that I love this club, Hala Madrid and nothing else!"

On Monday, the Portuguese coach will have only eight first-team players available: Lunin, Trent, Asensio, Carreras, Houssin, Camavinga, Gonzalo, and Mastantono. Meanwhile, the trio of Militao, Mendy, and Rodrygo remain absent as they continue recovering from serious injuries sustained late last season.

Although Mourinho began field training sessions with the team earlier this week, the club decided to postpone his official press conference introducing him to the media and fans until after the conclusion of the World Cup. By that time, Mourinho will have already led several training sessions, currently content with his recent enthusiastic motto: "Let's go!"