Real Madrid News
‘Not the whole solution’ – Former Real Madrid director sends strong warning about Mourinho’s return
Former Real Madrid manager and sporting director Jorge Valdano has shared his thoughts on the possible return of Jose Mourinho, offering both optimism and caution regarding what could happen next.
Speculation surrounding Mourinho’s comeback continues to grow, with reports suggesting the Portuguese manager is increasingly close to taking charge of Real Madrid once again.
While many supporters remain excited about the idea of Mourinho returning to the club, Valdano believes the situation is more complex than simply appointing a new coach.
What was said?
Speaking about Florentino Perez’s approach to building the club in an interview with Moviestar Plus, Valdano first reflected on Real Madrid’s philosophy around star players and leadership.
“As part of Florentino Perez’s vision, which sees football as a business of heroes, he isn’t going to sell the heroes.”
The Argentine then turned his focus towards Mourinho himself and predicted that the manager would initially arrive with a calmer and more controlled approach compared to his previous spell in Madrid.
“I think Mourinho will arrive with his most charming side; at the start, everything will be very peaceful.”
The honeymoon period
He also suggested that the current squad could respond positively to the Portuguese coach, especially with a more demanding season ahead.
Continuing his analysis, Valdano added, “I think the players will respond. There’s no ‘Little World Cup’ to contend with.
“The season will be a bit more demanding and that will help the squad perform better.”
Questions Mourinho’s credibility
Despite acknowledging the possible positives Mourinho could bring, Valdano also raised concerns about what may happen once pressure and defeats begin to arrive.
The former Madrid sporting director hinted that maintaining harmony at Real Madrid becomes increasingly difficult once results stop going your way.
“We’ll see what happens as time goes on and when the defeats come.
“Whether peace will be possible or whether we’ll continue with this somewhat turbulent situation we’ve experienced this season.”
Furthermore, according to Valdano, the squad itself requires important reinforcements in several positions.
“The club need at least four defenders, and a midfielder to bring balance to the squad.”
That is why Valdano believes Mourinho should only be viewed as one part of a much bigger rebuilding process, stating,
“Mourinho will be part of the solution, but he is not the whole solution.”
Real Madrid News
La Liga icon tears into Real Madrid forwards after Rayo Vallecano win: ‘This isn’t competitive’
Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano may have delivered another three points, but Santiago Canizares believes the result is hiding a problem that could eventually cost Jose Mourinho’s side against stronger opposition.
The former Spain and Valencia goalkeeper was particularly critical of Real Madrid’s work without the ball, arguing that their attacking players are not doing enough defensively.
His comments came after a match that produced two very different versions of Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Canizares questions Real Madrid’s defensive effort
Mourinho? No—the issue is not the manager. Madrid produced a brilliant first half, scoring three times and earning an enthusiastic standing ovation.
Yet the mood changed dramatically after the interval, when Rayo caused problems, and the home crowd eventually responded with boos.
The La Liga icon believes that contrast exposes a tactical weakness rather than being simply an off-day.
“Madrid have one thing – the best quality a team can have – and that is effectiveness; there’s no doubt about that,” he said, before adding that “if a team wants to be the best in Europe, it has to be able to play in different styles.”
For Canizares, the biggest concern starts with Real Madrid’s forwards.
“When they don’t have the ball, what the strikers do is appalling. It’s contagious.
“One looks at the other, the other looks at the other, and thinks, ‘Ah, well, if he’s not moving, neither am I’,” he argued.
A warning beyond the Rayo result
Notably, that lack of pressure can leave the rest of the team exposed. The midfield is forced deeper, the defence becomes easier to reach, and opponents are given opportunities that should not exist in the first place.
“The team falls apart; the midfielders have to drop back, link up with the defence, and any team can create chances against Real Madrid.
“This isn’t competitive, and it needs to be sorted out. If you don’t do this all year round, then on the day you actually have to do it, you might not do it quite right.”
That assessment is difficult to dismiss after what happened in the second half.
Rayo may have ultimately lost comfortably on the scoreboard, but Madrid surrendered the control they had established before the break.
Arda Guler provides a timely reminder
Arda Guler’s introduction was the biggest talking point in the game.
The Turkish midfielder helped restore some of Madrid’s attacking rhythm after Rayo had begun to gain confidence.
The 4-1 scoreline therefore gives Madrid the points Mourinho wanted, but not necessarily the complete performance he would have demanded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
