José Mourinho Starts Second Era at Real Madrid

José Mourinho is officially back at work at Valdebebas, and he hasn’t even waited for the squad to return from their holidays.

Days before the planned start of pre-season, the Portuguese coach slipped into Real Madrid City and marked the moment in the way modern football announces almost everything now: with a social media post. One image, one message. “Let’s go!!” A simple caption, but a clear line in the sand for the beginning of his second era in white.

This is not a gentle reintroduction. It is a statement of intent.

Mourinho’s second act begins early

The club’s official return date is set for Monday, July 13, when the first group of players will report back. Those who were not involved in the World Cup will be the first through the doors at Valdebebas, undergoing the usual medical tests and baseline fitness checks before the real work starts on the pitch.

Among them, some intriguing names: Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono and Trent Alexander-Arnold are expected to be present, part of an early core around which Mourinho will begin to shape his ideas. For the youngsters, it is an audition. For the established stars, a chance to understand exactly what this new-old manager demands.

Mourinho, though, has no interest in waiting. By turning up early, he sends a familiar message: preparation starts now, not when the calendar says so.

A bench with muscle: Khedira steps in

Behind the scenes, the structure around him is already in place. Real Madrid have confirmed the staff who will support the Portuguese this season, and it is a group that blends loyalty, expertise and club memory.

Joao Tralhao and Pedro Machado will work alongside him as assistant coaches, trusted lieutenants charged with translating Mourinho’s ideas onto the training ground on a daily basis.

The standout name, however, is Sami Khedira. The former Real Madrid midfielder, who won major titles with the club on the pitch, now returns in a different role: assistant coach. His presence brings instant authority in the dressing room and a direct line to the club’s recent history. Khedira knows what it means to win here. Now he must help others do it from the technical area.

Around them, the staff is rounded out with key specialists. Antonio Días takes over as fitness coach, responsible for delivering the physical edge Mourinho demands from his teams. Nuno Santos comes in as goalkeeping coach, a crucial role at a club where the man between the posts is often under as much scrutiny as the centre-forward.

The framework is clear. The head coach is already at his desk. The staff is assembled. The players are about to walk back through the doors.

Mourinho has pressed the first button of his second spell at Real Madrid. The question now is not whether he is ready for the challenge, but how quickly this new regime will stamp its identity on a squad that knows exactly how high the bar is set.