Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid midfielder backs Mourinho return – ‘An extraordinary coach with enormous experience’
Former Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero has expressed his delight at Jose Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabeu dugout, insisting that the Portuguese coach’s success will go hand in hand with the club’s success.
Speaking after the Corazon Classic Match, where Real Madrid Legends defeated Inter Milan Legends 2-1, Granero described pulling on the famous white shirt once again as “a gift” and voiced his confidence in Mourinho’s ability to lead the team during his second spell in charge.
Granero happy with Mourinho’s Real Madrid return
During his interaction with media, Granero praised Mourinho’s credentials, highlighting the vast experience and leadership qualities that have made him one of football’s most successful managers.
“I think he’s an extraordinary coach, with enormous experience and great ability, and I wish him all the luck in the world. What’s good for him will be good for Real Madrid,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Granero also addressed Real Madrid’s recent struggles, urging patience and perspective.
“The last few years have been extraordinary. You can’t always win every title,” he noted.
“The other teams are also very competitive and good, and we’ll surely improve this year too, and Madrid will always be there,” he added.
Huge challenge ahead for Mourinho
Mourinho is back at Real Madrid 13 years after his first stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, during which he won three trophies.
The magnitude of challenge that awaits the Portuguese tactician heading into his second tenure as Real Madrid boss is enormous.
After all, Los Blancos have gone two back-to-back seasons without winning a major trophy, while Barcelona have gone from strength to strength under Hansi Flick.
Moreover, Mourinho also has to find a solution to get the best out of the superstar attacking pair of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
There is also the matter of the dressing room tension which exploded towards the backend of the last season, resulting in a fight between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
So, Mourinho will not have an easy road as he prepares to return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
