Mourinho’s former ward backs him for success at Real Madrid: ‘He is now a much more experienced manager’

Jose Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabeu continues to attract attention across Europe, and one former player who knows him well believes the Portuguese manager is entering a completely different stage of his career.

Speaking to AS, former Portugal international Andrade reflected on his experience working under Jose Mourinho at Porto and explained why he believes the current Jose Mourinho Real Madrid project could become a major success story.

Mourinho first rose to global prominence by guiding Porto to the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League title, one of football’s most memorable underdog triumphs. 

Although not part of that historic squad, Andrade played under Mourinho in 2002 and, despite only spending a short period under Mourinho, the experience left a lasting impression.

Andrade praises Mourinho’s influence

During the interview, Andrade spoke about Mourinho’s impact as both a coach and a leader, highlighting the qualities that have inspired many former players and aspiring managers.

Asked about his relationship with the Portuguese tactician, Andrade said:

“Jose is brilliant. He’s our mentor as a manager. He’s given a lot of inspiration to those of us who are just starting out as managers.

Andrade has backed Mourinho for his second Real Madrid stint. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“Everything he does – his composure, the way he deals with the press and the fans… He’s been a real asset to Florentino in his campaign to win the elections,” he began saying.

Andrade on Mourinho’s second stint at Real Madrid

Speaking further, the former defender believes Mourinho is arriving at the Bernabeu with far more experience than during his first stint in the Spanish capital.

Discussing the Portuguese manager’s second spell, Andrade said:

“It’s a brilliant opportunity. He’s now a much more experienced manager, and he will enjoy it far more than he did when he first joined Real Madrid.

“I think he has a golden opportunity to make a lot of changes to the team, given that Real Madrid didn’t win anything last year.”

Andrade also touched upon Mourinho’s ability to maximise the talents of elite forwards.

Having previously coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Mourinho now has another superstar at his disposal in Kylian Mbappe.

Mourinho will return to Real Madrid for the second time. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Speaking about the French forward, Andrade added, 

“He will surely be keen to get Mbappe to do the same things he’s doing for France at the World Cup: win titles and achieve major goals such as the Champions League, which is the most important trophy for Real Madrid.”

Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid feels different

There is a growing sense that this version of Mourinho is returning to Madrid with renewed energy and a different perspective.

Andrade believes the Portuguese coach is genuinely excited about the challenge ahead and expects him to embrace the role in a way he perhaps could not during his first tenure.

Asked about Mourinho’s enthusiasm, the former Porto defender said,

“He’s like a kid, isn’t he? He’s a star. I wish him all the best. In Portugal, we’re lucky to have one of the best managers in the world, Mourinho, and players like Cristiano, who’s been top-class – the best – a Ballon d’Or winner who also played for Real Madrid.

“We need to have them as role models. That’s why I’m so excited about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid and that he’ll win every match… except against Deportivo,” he concluded.