What Was the First Problem José Mourinho Solved at Real Madrid?
The Portuguese manager’s second stint with the Merengues is already starting to pay dividends after the opening matches. Here’s everything you need to know.
José Mourinho arrived at Real Madrid with a clear mission: restore the defensive organization the team had lost. Before focusing on spectacular attacking performances, the Portuguese coach put the emphasis on defense, convinced that a team capable of competing as a cohesive unit would have a better chance of winning.
A Real Madrid Team That Needed to Rediscover Its Structure
From his first months in the Real Madrid dugout, Mourinho insisted on an idea that would define his tenure: defending was not the sole responsibility of center-backs and midfielders. The entire team had to move as one, press together and close down spaces.
The Portuguese manager summed up his philosophy with a phrase that perfectly captured his approach: “Magic and creativity have nothing to do with being organized or not being organized. And my teams are organized.” For Mourinho, Real Madrid’s attacking talent needed a solid structure behind it.
Defending With All 11 Players Was Mourinho’s First Major Principle
The coach identified the distance between the lines as one of the team’s main problems. That is why he demanded a collective commitment and made the counter-pressing after losing possession one of his key tactical tools.
“You have to defend with 11,” Mourinho explained, making it clear that he did not want any players disconnected from the defensive phase. His objective was to win the ball back as far from his own goal as possible and prevent opponents from forcing Real Madrid to retreat.
This organization also allowed the team’s attacking players to contribute to winning possession. As the coach explained: “This organization allows us to win the ball high up the pitch, without having to drop back.” The idea was simple: the higher up the pitch Real Madrid recovered possession, the less time the opposition would have to launch an attack.
Defensive Solidity as the Foundation
Mourinho also had clear demands when it came to the profile of his defenders. Playing out from the back could be important, but it could never come before strength, discipline and defensive solidity. His message was particularly clear when discussing center-backs: “First, you have to defend.”
That principle eventually became one of the defining characteristics of Mourinho’s Real Madrid. Defense was not simply an obligation; it was the starting point for building a competitive, intense and well-organized team.
The Portuguese coach knew Real Madrid had more than enough attacking talent to score goals. His first major challenge was making sure the team also knew how to suffer, close down spaces and stay compact.
Before building an attacking machine, Mourinho wanted to turn Real Madrid into a defensive rock.
