Thibaut Courtois Welcomes José Mourinho Back to Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has expressed enthusiasm over the return of José Mourinho to the club, noting a significant change in the Portuguese manager’s demeanor since their previous collaboration in London.
Mourinho’s Triumphant Return
Mourinho marked his return to the Santiago Bernabéu on June 11, signing a three-year contract that concludes a 13-year hiatus from managing the team. His objective is to rejuvenate Los Blancos following two seasons devoid of trophies, aiming to counteract long-standing rivals Barcelona’s supremacy in domestic competitions.
A History of Success
Courtois played under Mourinho at Chelsea during the successful 2014-2015 season, when they clinched the Premier League title. Reflecting on their ongoing partnership, the Belgian international highlighted the nuanced evolution in Mourinho’s approach, while affirming that his commanding presence remains unchanged.
“It is genuinely exciting to have him back,” Courtois commented. “His energy fills the room, and just being in his presence creates a sense of purpose. I think that leadership is something we needed at this point.”
A Calmer Leadership Style
Courtois shared insights on Mourinho’s development as a coach: “He mentions that he has become more mature with time. With experience, I sense that he is somewhat calmer now. During our time at Chelsea, he was more intense and dominant in the dressing room. While that characteristic still exists, I perceive a slight reduction in his intensity from when I first met him 12 years ago. Nevertheless, his personality and presence remain the same.”
Stabilizing the Team
Following a rocky start to his second tenure, Mourinho has started to stabilize the team’s performance. Courtois remarked, “Initially, we faced two losses, but things are improving, and we hope to maintain this positive trajectory.”
Past Achievements
During his first stint at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho managed 178 games and enjoyed considerable success, including victories in the 2011 Copa del Rey, the 2011-2012 La Liga title, and the 2012 Spanish Super Cup.
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