Soccer
Nacho Fernandez believes Jose Mourinho’s return as head coach is “exactly what Real Madrid need right now”.
Mourinho was reappointed as Madrid boss on a three-year deal following Alvaro Arbeloa’s departure at the end of last season.
The 63-year-old previously took charge of Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013, winning one LaLiga title (2011-12), one Copa del Rey (2010-11) and one Supercopa de Espana (2012).
Mourinho won 126 of his 174 games during his first spell (D27 L21), with his 72.4% win percentage with Madrid the highest of any side he has managed.
Nacho made his senior debut for Madrid under Mourinho and went on to make 364 appearances for the LaLiga giants.
The defender has backed Mourinho to thrive once again in the Spanish capital as Madrid look to bounce back from consecutive trophyless seasons.
“Well, for me and my whole family, Mourinho is a special person,” Nacho told AS.
“He’s the coach who has shaped my career, the one who gave me my debut, the one who gave me the opportunity.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) July 27, 2026
“I made my debut that day, but I’d already done preseason training with him. After that match at Mestalla, many more games with the first team followed.
“Mou will always be special to me. Regardless of the fact that he’s a great coach, which he is, for me and my whole family, he’s the coach, so to speak. What can I say?
“I wish him all the best in this second spell. I think a coach is coming in who’s exactly what Real Madrid needs right now, a bit of a challenge.
“I remember that period as one of the best of my life. I was also at a time when we were doing very well at Castilla.
“That’s where it all started for me at Real Madrid. And I’m very happy and very grateful, of course, to Mou.
“So, if the players and Mourinho can all pull together, I have no doubt that good things are coming for Real Madrid.”
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