Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid, tasked with building a new era and challenging rival Barca. After more than a decade away, "The Special One" has quickly made his mark, bringing in four major signings: left-back Marc Cucurella (USD 68 million), veteran midfielder Bernardo Silva (free transfer), center-back Ibrahima Konate (free transfer), and right-back Denzel Dumfries (USD 23 million).

These four new players are expected to make an immediate impact. Cucurella is poised to bring strength and flexibility to the left flank, where he gained prominence winning two championships, Euro 2024 and World Cup 2026, with Spain. Silva, a midfielder who helped Man City secure the Champions League 2023 and six Premier League titles, adds experience and ball control to Real's midfield. Konate, a key player for Liverpool and the French national team, along with Dumfries, a right-back with many years of experience at Inter Milan and the Dutch national team, will provide crucial defensive depth.

Further strengthening is anticipated, with Rodri from Man City potentially joining if negotiations proceed smoothly. The arrival of World Cup 2026's best player would enhance the midfield's defensive capabilities, ensuring better balance, ball recovery, and distribution. Additionally, Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old talent valued at USD 114 million, is reportedly nearing a deal with Real from Leipzig. As last season's best young player in the Bundesliga, his youth and ability to play on both wings would offer diverse tactical solutions for the attack, serving as an alternative after the pursuit of Michael Olise stalled.

Real can also rely on Mourinho's proven ability to motivate and integrate existing players. Having led FC Porto and Inter Milan to European glory, transformed Chelsea into a new English football powerhouse, laid the foundation for Real's golden era, guided Man Utd to a Europa League title, and Roma to a Conference League victory, "The Special One" possesses ample experience working with various teams and player types. The challenge of effectively combining stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham will soon be addressed.

Mourinho's return echoes the circumstances of 16 years ago. In 2010, President Florentino Perez sought Mourinho from Inter Milan to counter Pep Guardiola's formidable Barca. Mourinho quickly built his first era, bringing in Angel Di Maria, Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, and Ricardo Carvalho, strengthening a squad that already featured Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, and Xabi Alonso. These signings found varying degrees of success at the Bernabeu, with Di Maria and Ozil providing creativity, and Khedira and Carvalho ensuring defensive solidity.

Though not immediately dethroning Barca, Mourinho's first tenure with Real secured La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. Crucially, it also laid the groundwork for the subsequent successes of Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, contributing to Real's achievement of four Champions League titles in five years.

Coach Mourinho (right) observes the Benfica - Real match, during the first leg of the Champions League play-off round on 17/2, in Portugal. Photo: AFP

The urgency for a turnaround is clear, as Real has been outplayed by Hansi Flick's Barca over the past two years. Mourinho's three predecessors — Ancelotti, Alonso, and Alvaro Arbeloa — lost six out of seven El Clasico matches, including three finals. They also witnessed their rivals clinch two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España during this period.

Real's current situation mirrors its position 16 years ago, setting the stage for a potential resurgence. President Perez is banking on Mourinho to orchestrate a new comeback. Success will hinge on his ability to seamlessly integrate the quality new signings with the existing squad. Fans at the Bernabeu are eagerly anticipating the beginning of Mourinho's second era.

Compiled by Thanh Quy