Courtois says Real Madrid need a strong personality like Mourinho

What happened

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said his team needs a coach with a strong personality such as Jose Mourinho, according to a report by ANTARA News citing ESPN on Wednesday (11/11). Courtois welcomed Mourinho's return, describing the Portuguese coach as someone with a powerful presence. "It is very nice to see him back. He has a strong aura. When you come in and he is there, you can feel his presence. I think that is what we need," Courtois said.

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Mourinho returned to coach Real Madrid in the summer of 2026, having left the club in 2013. He was appointed to replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who parted ways with Los Blancos after a trophy-less 2025/2026 season. The return also marked a reunion with Courtois; the two previously worked together at Chelsea in the 2014/2015 season, when the London club won the English league title.

Courtois said Mourinho had not changed much from the figure he knew at Chelsea, though he sees the coach as somewhat calmer now with more experience. "I think he himself has said that he may have developed into someone more mature. With his experience, I think he is now a little calmer," Courtois said. "At Chelsea, I remember he was harder in the dressing room and more intense. It is still like that now, although I feel there is a slight difference from the figure I knew 12 years ago. But his personality and presence remain the same," he added.

For Courtois, Mourinho's character is one of the important things Real Madrid needs. The presence of the 63-year-old coach is expected to have a positive influence and help Los Blancos compete for titles again.