Former Portugal international Jorge Andrade has backed Jose Mourinho to lead Real Madrid back to trophy success, describing the Portuguese as a “star” and a “mentor” ahead of his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho has returned to the Spanish giants following a trophyless campaign with the task of rebuilding a squad featuring Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Speaking to AS, Andrade praised the 63-year-old’s influence on modern football and said his experience would strengthen Florentino Perez’s latest project.
“Jose Mourinho is a star. He’s our mentor as a coach.
“He’s given a lot of inspiration to those of us starting out as coaches.
“Everything he does, his composure, how he interacts with the press, with the fans… It was a triumph for Florentino in his campaign to win the elections,” Andrade said.
He expressed confidence that Mourinho’s second spell would be more successful than his first stint between 2010 and 2013.
Andrade also tipped Mourinho to get the best out of Mbappe after the forward’s impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“He will surely be excited to get Mbappe to do the same things he is doing with France in the World Cup: winning titles and achieving important goals like the Champions League, which for Real Madrid is the most important trophy,” he said.
According to Andrade, Mourinho has returned at the right time, with Real Madrid seeking an immediate return to winning ways after finishing last season without silverware.
He said the Portuguese coach now has the opportunity to reshape the squad and implement significant changes.
“Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid… It’s a great opportunity.
“He’s a much more experienced coach now, and he’s going to enjoy it much more than when he first went to Real Madrid.
“I think he has a golden opportunity to make a lot of changes to the team, since Madrid didn’t win anything last year,” Andrade said.
Mourinho’s arrival has generated fresh optimism at the Spanish giants as the club looks to return to winning ways.