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Champions League: Mourinho speaks on Real Madrid return ahead of Inter Milan meeting
08th September, 2026 06:37 PM
José Mourinho has explained why he chose to return to Real Madrid for a second spell, insisting that the stature of the Spanish giants made the decision impossible to resist.
The Portuguese tactician was appointed Madrid manager for a second time this summer and is now preparing the club for another UEFA Champions League campaign. The competition’s league-phase draw has handed his side challenging encounters, including matches against Arsenal and Inter Milan on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Mourinho is among the most successful managers in Champions League history. He first lifted the trophy with Porto during the 2003/04 campaign before guiding Inter Milan to European glory in 2009/10. He also enjoyed two successful periods at Chelsea and previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
At 63, Mourinho has revealed what persuaded him to leave Benfica, where he had developed a strong attachment, and return to the 15-time European champions.
Why Mourinho returned to Real Madrid
Mourinho’s latest move represents only the second occasion in his managerial career that he has returned to a former club. His first reunion came at Chelsea, whom he left in 2008 before taking charge again in 2013.
His first arrival at Real Madrid in 2010 came after an extraordinary campaign with Inter, during which he won the Champions League and completed a historic treble.
His circumstances were different this time. Mourinho returned without a fresh trophy-winning campaign behind him, but Real Madrid were familiar with his qualities and believed he could help the club through a difficult period.
Reflecting on the decision, Mourinho said:
“It’s the second time I’ve gone back to a club. I’d gone back to Chelsea. I left the club in 2008, more or less, I returned in 2013. When I came to Real Madrid in 2010, I came to the club having won the treble. I won the Champions League and everything with Inter, as well as the first FIFA Ballon d’Or for coaches. I came having had an all-conquering season. This time around, I hadn’t won anything before joining. I came here with the foundations of what the club knew about me. Based on what they were going through, the club thought that I was the answer, that it was me who could help them out. For me, this moved my sense of pride.”
The former Benfica coach also admitted that leaving Portugal was not an easy decision because of his relationship with the club.
“Last season in Portugal, I didn’t hide what Benfica meant for me, which was something I managed to hide almost throughout my career. I was at ease at Benfica, I liked being there, and I was convinced that we were building something that would bring results in the short term, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid, and that’s that.”
Mourinho assesses Real Madrid’s Champions League opponents
Real Madrid face a demanding league-phase schedule, with Arsenal and Inter among the most prominent opponents.
Mourinho believes Arsenal’s prolonged pursuit of Champions League success will make them particularly determined, especially after coming close to reaching the final last season.
“Everyone knows about Inter and Arsenal. Arsenal have been chasing the Champions League for more than 20 years and, this past season, they were one game away from achieving it. They have the potential to do it, and they will want to go all out for it.”
He also has considerable respect for Inter, a club he famously guided to Champions League success in 2010.
“[Inter] have a fantastic team, and I would say that they improve every year because they are a team that has worked with coaches for many years who play with the same five-at-the-back system. One player leaves, a better one comes in. Obviously, they will each be fighting to win the Champions League this season.”
Mourinho also highlighted Roma, Leipzig, PSV and AEK Athens as sides capable of making the competition difficult.
“Roma have a truly special team this season. There are teams like Leipzig, PSV and AEK [Athens], teams with great European tradition. I don’t want to let my arrogance get the better of me and say that we will definitely qualify. I think we will qualify, but I think we will suffer and will have to take it game by game, looking to get the points.” He said.
