Mourinho’s Return Sparks Cucurella’s Confidence in Madrid’s Title Bid

Real Madrid’s new signing Marc Cucurella has stated that the club is set for a “great year” following José Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu. The 28-year-old Spanish full-back, who recently completed a high-profile transfer from Chelsea, described the appointment as transformative ahead of the upcoming La Liga season.

Mourinho’s Immediate Influence on Squad Culture

Cucurella said the Portuguese manager has already instilled “a lot of confidence and naturalness” during initial training sessions. Speaking to Real Madrid TV after his first day with the squad, he emphasized continuity and enjoyment: “We have to do what we know out on the field, and above all, enjoy ourselves. I think what we all want is to win and to have a great year.”

A Childhood Dream Realized at Europe’s Biggest Club

Though trained at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Cucurella confirmed the pull of Real Madrid — “Europe’s biggest club” — proved decisive when the offer arrived. He referenced Spain’s World Cup triumph as part of his recent achievements before finalizing the move. His four-year Premier League tenure included stints at Brighton and Chelsea, where he made 163 appearances and helped secure the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025.

“As a kid starting out playing football, then having the opportunity to play for a club like this, it's very hard to turn down,” he said. “When the opportunity came, I didn't hesitate for a second. As a spectator, I've seen all those magical nights, those comebacks at the Bernabéu, all the Champions League titles they've lifted. Having the chance to experience it first-hand and be a part of it is a huge responsibility, but also a very beautiful and important challenge.”

Integration Amid High-Profile Reinforcements

Cucurella joins a summer recruitment drive that includes Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, and Denzel Dumfries. He acknowledged the weight of expectation tied to the white shirt, calling it “an honour – not many people can say they've worn this jersey.” He cited the club’s legacy and history as central to his motivation, describing his arrival as “a privilege, an honour, and above all, a reward for all the effort I've put into my career.”

Madrid’s pre-season preparations are now entering a critical stage. The squad is scheduled to face Deportivo de A Coruña and Schalke in upcoming friendlies. These matches will serve as key opportunities for Mourinho to integrate new signings and refine tactical systems ahead of competitive action. The 2024–25 La Liga campaign begins on August 22 with an away fixture against Espanyol.