Real Madrid’s La Liga journey kicks off this Saturday, marking the return of Jose Mourinho to the dugout for the first time since 2013.
The Portuguese tactician had an earlier three-year tenure at the Bernabeu, securing the league title in 2012 back when Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi were still leading Barcelona.
Following a stint with Benfica last season, Mourinho was brought back this summer by Florentino Perez, who is confident that the manager is the right figure to revitalize the team after some challenging years for Real Madrid.
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Real Madrid legend shares his thoughts
Ex-Bernabeu star Steve McManaman now serves as an analyst and co-commentator for Disney+, the broadcaster set to air Real Madrid’s season opener against Espanyol this coming weekend.
McManaman finds the club’s choice to bring Mourinho back intriguing and is convinced it guarantees a highly watchable La Liga campaign.
“He has to deliver,” McManaman explained to FFT. “That is the sole reason for his return—it is straightforward. He has a single objective, and that is to eclipse Barcelona.
“No disrespect to Atletico Madrid or Villarreal, but Barcelona remains the benchmark they must surpass. They are the top team, so his primary task is to dethrone them. Making a run in the Champions League comes second.
“Hansi Flick has performed wonders since taking charge at Barcelona. Their financial outlook is beginning to improve, and the return to Camp Nou will draw larger crowds, boosting their revenue. Adding a world-class player like Rodri only makes them stronger, and Anthony Gordon’s arrival will do the same.
“It is shaping up to be an extraordinary La Liga campaign—expect absolute fireworks with Jose back in the mix.”
Although Real Madrid made major financial investments to recruit players like Yan Diomande and Marc Cucurella, Barcelona have claimed the championship over the last two years, and McManaman is well aware that Perez cannot tolerate a third consecutive defeat.
“They faced heavy backlash last season, and they need to bounce back,” he remarked.
“Ultimately, you either lift trophies or you fail. It is that black and white. In Spain, with the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, seeing your biggest rival lift the trophy is nothing short of a catastrophe.
“Therefore, Real Madrid must get their act together and mount a strong challenge. This year’s title race is going to be incredibly intense.
“Barcelona performed superbly last season, and despite their vulnerabilities—where you occasionally wondered how they managed to secure victories while conceding so many goals—the results speak for themselves. They consistently found ways to win and achieve success.
“Their sole disappointment was bowing out to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, which was largely down to specific match incidents like red cards.
“Securing Rodri gives them a midfield tempo-setter, operating alongside players like Pedri, while their refreshed, speedy attack featuring Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon, and Raphinha looks highly promising.
“Fans can look forward to high-scoring matches and beautiful football in La Liga this season, particularly from the two giants.
“While I hope clubs like Atletico and Villarreal can put up a fight so it isn’t just a two-horse race, the reality is that the top two have outspent everyone else this transfer window and seem poised to pull far ahead of the pack.”
ESPN on Disney+ broadcasts live LALIGA action every Saturday evening, delivering top-tier Spanish football directly to viewers across the UK
