Real Madrid’s Mourinho reset faces scrutiny before Betis test

Spanish journalist Julio Pulido has warned that Jose Mourinho’s calmer approach during his second spell as Real Madrid manager will not survive the first sustained spell of poor results.

Mourinho, who returned to lead the Spanish club almost a decade after leaving, has appeared more restrained than during his previous time in charge. His tone has been noticeably calmer in press conferences, while his touchline behaviour has also been less confrontational during matches.

However, Pulido said he did not believe the change would last once pressure begins to build around the team.

Speaking on the El Larguero programme on Cadena SER, Pulido said: “I don’t believe it, and let that be clear from the beginning.”

Programme director and presenter Manu Carreno backed Pulido’s assessment, replying: “Let everyone who doesn’t believe it get in line.”

Pulido’s comments, highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, suggested that Mourinho’s current manner is being viewed as a temporary phase rather than a permanent transformation.

“He has a roadmap that will completely explode when things go badly,” Pulido said.

The journalist also questioned Mourinho’s apparent effort to establish a closer relationship with the media.

“Clearly, he is trying to get closer to the press, but how long will that last? Until the press starts criticising him, when he starts losing and the criticism arrives,” he added.

Pulido said the same test would apply to Mourinho’s present stance towards refereeing. The Portuguese manager has recently spoken about his confidence in the officiating system, but the journalist believes that position could quickly change if Real Madrid suffer controversial decisions.

“I have heard Mourinho saying in recent days that he trusts the refereeing system, but when will he stop trusting it? When there are two decisions that harm Real Madrid,” Pulido said.

The remarks come as Real Madrid prepare to play away to Real Betis on Friday evening in the fourth round of the Spanish league season.

Real Madrid have won each of their first three matches, giving Mourinho a perfect start on his return and ensuring that his quieter public image has so far been accompanied by positive results. The upcoming fixture will provide another early test, although Pulido’s argument is focused less on the current record than on how Mourinho and the club respond when setbacks eventually arrive.

The manager’s previous reputation included outspoken press conferences, heated exchanges with journalists and strong criticism of refereeing decisions. Pulido believes those characteristics have not disappeared, but are instead being held in reserve until Real Madrid face a more difficult period.

For now, Mourinho’s conduct has created discussion in Spanish media circles because of its contrast with his earlier spell at the club. Yet with the season still at an early stage, the question is whether the more composed version of the manager can remain in place once results, media scrutiny and contentious decisions begin to test him.