Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has hailed former manager José Mourinho as the architect of the club’s modern winning culture, crediting the Portuguese coach with laying the foundation for the club’s unprecedented success in Europe.
Speaking about Mourinho’s impact on the Spanish giants, Pérez said the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Manchester United boss restored the competitive edge that helped Real Madrid emerge as a dominant force on the continental stage.
“I’m very excited because Mourinho is the man who made us competitive again. It was José who built that spirit that let us win six Champions Leagues after him. He was crucial,” Pérez said.
The Real Madrid president emphasized that Mourinho’s influence extended far beyond the trophies he won during his three-year spell at the Santiago Bernabéu, insisting that the coach instilled the mentality that paved the way for years of success.
According to Pérez, Real Madrid is eager to regain the same hunger, determination and competitive spirit that characterized Mourinho’s tenure.
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“Now we’ll want him to bring that competitive spirit back to Real Madrid, so Mourinho’s the right man,” he added.
Mourinho managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.
Despite falling short of Champions League glory during his time in charge, he is widely credited with rebuilding the club into a formidable force capable of challenging Europe’s elite.
Pérez’s comments underline the high regard in which Mourinho is still held at the club, with the Real Madrid president portraying the Portuguese tactician as a key figure behind the culture that eventually led to six UEFA Champions League triumphs in the years that followed his departure.
The remarks have reignited debate among supporters over Mourinho’s legacy in Madrid, with many fans viewing him as the coach who restored the club’s belief and competitive identity during a pivotal period in its history.