Jose Mourinho has signed a four-year contract to become the new manager of Real Madrid – and described his challenge of returning the club to the top in Spain and in Europe as “a big one” (check out ante-post football markets on totesport.com).
The 47-year-old was on Monday unveiled as the successor to Manuel Pellegrini and becomes the 11th coach in the past seven years of Spain’s big-spending capital club.
Mourinho terminated his contract with Internazionale last week after two seasons at the club and Real have paid Inter a reported eight million euros (£6.8m) in compensation.
“I like to give myself a challenge and this is a big one,” said Mourinho. “I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability as a coach.”
Sporting director Jorge Valdano said: “It’s an honour to have one of the most prestigious coaches in the world.”
The Portuguese coach arrives in Madrid off the backing of guiding Inter to a historic treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles.
The former Porto and Chelsea boss is charged with the task of arresting a three-year trophyless title run in La Liga.
Real have also failed to make it past the first knockout phase of Europe’s elite club competition in six seasons.
Valdano added: “We are delighted to have him here with us. The best thing for our club right now is to have Mourinho with us.”
Real suffered another season of disappointment on the home front when they lost out to great rivals Barcelona in the race for the Spanish title.
However, Mourinho said he would not be rushing into making changes to personnel until he had time to settle in.
He said: “It’s too early to speak about changes.
“I believe it’s time to analyse the situation, to get to know my club, ask lots of questions and get answers.”
He added: “If we work as a group, it’s not difficult to get results.
“I want this group to have an identity, to win everything.
“The strength of my team is always the team and not the individuals.”
Jose ready for Real challenge
The 47-year-old was on Monday unveiled as the successor to Manuel Pellegrini and becomes the 11th coach in the past seven years of Spain’s big-spending capital club.
Mourinho terminated his contract with Internazionale last week after two seasons at the club and Real have paid Inter a reported eight million euros (£6.8m) in compensation.
“I like to give myself a challenge and this is a big one,” said Mourinho. “I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability as a coach.”
Sporting director Jorge Valdano said: “It’s an honour to have one of the most prestigious coaches in the world.”
The Portuguese coach arrives in Madrid off the backing of guiding Inter to a historic treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles.
The former Porto and Chelsea boss is charged with the task of arresting a three-year trophyless title run in La Liga.
Real have also failed to make it past the first knockout phase of Europe’s elite club competition in six seasons.
Valdano added: “We are delighted to have him here with us. The best thing for our club right now is to have Mourinho with us.”
Real suffered another season of disappointment on the home front when they lost out to great rivals Barcelona in the race for the Spanish title.
However, Mourinho said he would not be rushing into making changes to personnel until he had time to settle in.
He said: “It’s too early to speak about changes.
“I believe it’s time to analyse the situation, to get to know my club, ask lots of questions and get answers.”
He added: “If we work as a group, it’s not difficult to get results.
“I want this group to have an identity, to win everything.
“The strength of my team is always the team and not the individuals.”
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