Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has played down expectations of a special fan reception when he returns to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference in the Spanish capital on Tuesday, the Portuguese coach insisted that the focus must remain entirely on the team rather than on his personal comeback.
Mourinho stated that he did not want the Bernabéu crowd to give him a special welcome. Instead, he asked supporters to receive the players as their team and their passion, acknowledging that last season did not end well and that the bond between fans and the club had gone through a difficult period.
Real Madrid opened their Spanish league campaign with a 2-1 victory against Espanyol in Barcelona. The team will host Real Sociedad on Wednesday in a rescheduled match from the opening round, marking their first official fixture of the season at their home stadium.
The 63-year-old manager emphasized that his primary goal was for supporters to recognize the squad's commitment on the pitch rather than starting from scratch. He added that the team's effort was what truly mattered and insisted that he was not important.
Focus on squad depth and top players
Mourinho expressed full satisfaction with his current squad, describing the line-up as complete. Although the transfer window remains open, he noted that while a player could theoretically request a departure, he did not expect any exits and would be unhappy if anyone left the club now.
Addressing questions regarding the tactical challenge of fitting Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham into the same starting eleven, Mourinho remarked that the real difficulty for a manager is not having top-class talent available.
He explained that complications arise when a team lacks high-level players or suffers from injuries and suspensions without suitable options to maintain performance standards. Mourinho confessed that he had faced such limitations in recent years while coaching outside Europe's elite clubs, but stated he would no longer experience that problem at Real Madrid.
Off the pitch in Spain, reports indicate that Mourinho's dream residence in Madrid carries a rental cost of 20,000 euros per month.
Return to Madrid after Benfica stint
This marks Mourinho's second spell in charge of Real Madrid, having previously coached the Spanish giants between 2010 and 2013. During his first tenure, he led the club to one Spanish league title and one Copa del Rey trophy before departing 13 years ago.
Mourinho formalised his new contract ahead of the season, describing his return to Madrid as a deeply emotional experience. He has also been seen working closely alongside Vinícius Jr. following recent controversy involving Benfica player Prestianni.
Last season, Mourinho managed Portuguese side Benfica, guiding the Lisbon-based club to a third-place finish in the Primeira Liga and ending the campaign without silverware.
Real Madrid now prepare for Wednesday's home match against Real Sociedad as they look to build momentum in the Spanish top flight following their opening win in Catalonia.
