José Mourinho makes his philosophy clear at Real Madrid: "It's not working in the club, it's working for the club"

José Mourinho is already at work in Valdebebas and has made it clear what will define his Real Madrid project. The Portuguese coach spoke about responsibility, discipline and a mission that goes far beyond winning matches.

Mourinho makes it clear that his return to Real Madrid is about much more than a new job

José Mourinho has officially begun his second spell as Real Madrid head coach, and his first public remarks made one thing unmistakably clear: his goal extends far beyond winning trophies. The Portuguese manager described leading Los Blancos as a true "mission," a mindset he wants to establish from day one at Valdebebas.

According to comments made to Realmadrid TV, Mourinho explained that his greatest responsibility is to build a strong culture throughout the club. For him, success is not measured only by victories but by ensuring that every member of the organization reaches a higher competitive standard.

The veteran coach emphasized a phrase that perfectly summarizes the philosophy behind his return: "It's not working in Real Madrid, it's working for Real Madrid." In his view, that distinction reflects the commitment required to represent one of the biggest clubs in world football.

After years away from the Bernabéu, Mourinho returns determined to restore the competitive identity that has long defined the Spanish giants.

The Portuguese coach wants to build a culture based on discipline and ambition

During his first day back at the club's training complex, Mourinho stressed that preparations for the new season had already been underway long before his arrival in Madrid.

The manager revealed that he has spent weeks working closely with the club's leadership, using technology to coordinate plans for the 2026-27 campaign.

"We've been working hard for a long time," Mourinho explained, adding that arriving at Valdebebas was mainly about reviewing the progress already made and overseeing the next steps before preseason officially begins.

According to Mourinho, his objective is to create an environment built on responsibility, ambition and collective commitment, where players and staff embrace the same demanding standards every single day.

An unusual preseason presents Mourinho's first major challenge

The team will begin preseason with numerous players absent due to several players’ participation in the World Cup, a situation that will force the Portuguese coach to work initially with a small group and several young players from Castilla.

The coach said he will use these weeks to get to know the available players better and allow them to understand his approach to coaching.

He also emphasized the importance of being involved in the development of players from the youth ranks, an aspect he considers essential to strengthening the club’s future.

Although he acknowledged that he would like to have the entire roster available from day one, he made it clear that adapting to this situation is part of the challenge and that, little by little, players will join the group as their international commitments come to an end.

Can Mourinho bring Real Madrid back to where history demands?

After several seasons without lifting the club's biggest trophies, Real Madrid has once again turned to one of Europe's most accomplished managers in hopes of restoring the elite standards expected at the Santiago Bernabéu.

His first spell at the club produced unforgettable moments and helped transform Real Madrid into a side capable of competing toe-to-toe with one of the greatest teams football has ever seen.

Even before leading his first official training session, Mourinho posted his first photo wearing Real Madrid training gear on social media alongside a simple yet powerful caption: "Let's go." It was another sign of the enthusiasm surrounding his return.