Jose Mourinho’s Madrid comeback: why a quieter manager may still have a touchline spark

Santiago Bernabeu is preparing for an intriguing return on Wednesday, with Jose Mourinho back at the club where he previously managed Real Madrid. The occasion comes as Real Madrid look to build on their difficult 2-1 victory over Espanyol with another win against Real Sociedad, but much of the attention will centre on whether Mourinho has truly changed.

The return of the “Special One” has prompted debate in Madrid over whether supporters will see the same outspoken figure who once dominated dressing-room discussions and touchline confrontations. On SER Deportivos on Cadena SER, Madrid-based journalists Tomas Roncero and Antonio Romero examined the latest version of Mourinho and questioned how much of his famous personality remains.

Roncero believes Mourinho’s core character is intact, but says 13 years of experience have taught the Portuguese manager how to use it more effectively.

“He will maintain his distinctive style, because everyone has their own personality, but people change, we all develop. You learn what you need to reinforce from your successes, and you do not repeat the mistakes you made,” Roncero said.

The journalist argued that Mourinho’s current calmness is not an act. Instead, he views it as the result of difficult lessons learned throughout the years since Mourinho’s previous spell at Real Madrid.

“What is inside him now is not an act. He is trying to send the message that he knows very well what he must not do. He knows that Madrid is his last chance to return to the elite, and he will not let it pass,” Roncero added.

However, Roncero warned Real Madrid’s players and supporters not to assume that the manager’s quieter manner means his competitive instincts have disappeared. He said the old Mourinho could re-emerge whenever he believes the central interests of the contest have been threatened.

“If he suffers a wrong refereeing decision or anything happens involving Barcelona, the Mourinho we know will return. He will enter the technical area and attack the referee. That is natural in his personality. The difference is that now he will not look for trouble where there is none, as he used to do,” he said.

Roncero also acknowledged that he had been among those who doubted whether Mourinho should return to Real Madrid only a few months ago. His view has since changed, and he now says he appreciates what he describes as a calmer and more balanced manager.

“Calm Mourinho, measured Mourinho, I like him now. We will see what happens. His supporters are delighted, and those of us who doubted him have seen his development,” Roncero said.

He went on to describe Mourinho as the “perfect surgeon” for Real Madrid, particularly after a season marked by widespread disorder and internal wounds. In Roncero’s view, Mourinho’s authority could immediately command respect inside the dressing room.

“As soon as he enters the dressing room, no matter how focused you are, you will think: what a manager! Just as Zidane was respected simply for being Zidane, and Ancelotti because of his personality,” he said.

Roncero added: “With Mourinho, you cannot mess around. You can play better or worse, but if you mess with Mourinho, he will not ignore it.”

Romero, however, urged caution and said people should not be completely taken in by Mourinho’s apparent composure. He pointed out that the manager has not moved very far from controversy, citing Real Madrid’s meeting with Benfica in the Champions League, his provocative celebration, his criticism of Vinicius Junior and his decision not to sit in the directors’ box.

Roncero expects Mourinho to receive a warm reception at the Bernabeu, although he stopped short of predicting a full standing ovation.

“He will receive loud applause at the Bernabeu. I am not saying it will be a complete standing ovation, but there will certainly be widespread applause. He will not enter that chaos again,” Roncero said.

The debate over Mourinho’s temperament and return can also be explored in greater depth on the Kooora forums.