Top News

9 August 2026

Real Madrid have a squad in which most players have not previously worked under Jose Mourinho, given that the Portuguese manager’s first spell at the club came a long time ago.

Since then, Los Blancos have moved on from the majority of that group, but there is one player in the current squad who has already played under him elsewhere.

Jose Mourinho and Thibaut Courtois spent a few seasons together at Chelsea, at a time when the Belgian was still establishing himself.

The 34-year-old has now shared fresh details on Mourinho’s early impact at Real Madrid, while praising the Portuguese coach’s demanding style.

Courtois has worked with Mourinho before.

Speaking about life under Mourinho, the Belgian goalkeeper underlined the standards being introduced from the very first day, stressing that the manager’s emphasis on discipline and the collective is exactly what the team require.

Courtois said that Mourinho wants total commitment from every player and always places the team’s interests above individual ambitions.

“Mourinho is a coach who demands a lot. He asks for discipline a lot. For him, the team’s interests come before the players’ interests. These are important things for us to win,” he said.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper also spoke highly of Mourinho’s personality, saying that his honesty has always been one of his greatest strengths.

“He is a great coach and a very kind person. He tells the truth as it is, and that’s what I like. I think this is the path we have to follow,” he continued.

Those remarks are in line with Mourinho’s reputation across his career, with discipline, accountability and a winning mentality accompanying him wherever he has managed.

Courtois also looked back on his earlier spell under Mourinho at Chelsea, where the pair won the Premier League together.

Courtois is expected to play an important leadership role under Mourinho.

“We were together at Chelsea, and we won the Premier League together. I have great memories with him, and I’m happy to work under him again,” he recalled.

The Belgian made it clear that he is enthusiastic about the reunion and positive about what could come next.

“We hope we work well together and spend great years here,” he concluded.

Courtois’ public support is an encouraging sign for Mourinho, especially as it comes from one of the leaders in the dressing room.

Many players in the Real Madrid squad may be unsettled by the reputation that follows Jose wherever he goes.

Courtois’ comments could therefore help settle those concerns, and the Belgian may serve as the bridge that helps Madrid adapt smoothly to this new era.

The 34-year-old suffered an injury against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is currently recovering from it.

He will be eager to get back to 100 percent as soon as possible and help Jose Mourinho shape his new project at Los Blancos.