Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Monday, May 18, 2026, 12:01 / Updated Monday, May 18, 2026 12:01
Jose Mourinho (63) is expected to take over real madrid this summer, and the return of the Lusitanian technician to the bench of the “galacticos” was commented by the former sports director of the club, Jorge Valdano (70 years old), who resigned in 2011 due to a conflict with “The Special One”.
The former Argentinian striker played for Real Madrid between 1984 and 1987, and later held several positions at the club, from coach to the junior team, to coach to the senior team, before becoming sporting director.
Jorge Valdano on Jose Mourinho's return to Real Madrid: “It will be a bit more demanding”
“Jose Mourinho will come with his most seductive face. At the beginning everything will be very quiet, I think the players will respond also because it is not a World Championship in the middle. I think the pre-season will be a bit more demanding and that will allow the squad to perform better“, said Jorge Valdano, according to A Bola.
Although he is not Mourinho's biggest admirer, Valdano calls for the coach to be given time and protection when the first obstacles appear: “We will see what happens when the defeats come. If peace will be possible or if we continue with this convulsion that we have experienced this season.”
Jorge Valdano also identified the main gaps in Real Madrid's squad: “We are missing at least four defenders and a midfielder to balance the squad.”
Jorge Valdano developed as a striker and began his career at Newell's Old Boys, which he left in 1975 to sign for Alaves. After 4 years, Valdano arrived at Real Zaragoza, and he spent the last 3 years of his career at Real Madrid, between 1984-1987.
The striker also made 23 selections for Argentina's first national team, for which he scored 7 goals and with whom he won the World Championship in 1986.
Valdano began his coaching career with Real Madrid's second team in 1991, and from 1992 to 1994 he coached Tenerife. The Argentinian then took over Real Madrid's big team, which he trained between 1994-1996, and his last adventure as a coach was at Valencia, which he left in 1997.
Between 2000 and 2011, Jorge Valdano was employed by the Real Madrid club, the first 9 years as sporting director, and the last two as CEO.
