José Mourinho has laid down strict expectations for his Real Madrid players, warning that trust between him and the squad will be essential as he attempts to rebuild the Spanish giants into a winning team.
Mourinho returned to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer, 13 years after his first spell as Real Madrid manager. While discussing his management philosophy, the Portuguese coach said trust and discipline were among the principles he would not compromise on.
“When I say don’t betray me, of course, I’m speaking about football. Don’t betray me, and I’ll always be there for you,” Mourinho said during an appearance on the Bet It Drives Show, as reported by ESPN.
The experienced manager also stressed that his rules apply to every player, regardless of their status at the club.
“There are rules that are not negotiable,” Mourinho said.
“If you report at 9 a.m., it’s 9 a.m. for everybody. If you arrive at 9.15, even if you’re a superstar, you just can’t. I don’t accept it … But another thing is giving them freedom to express themselves.”
Mourinho demands discipline beyond football
Mourinho said professional footballers must make sacrifices away from the pitch if they want to perform at the highest level.
“You are a football player 24 hours a day,” he said, explaining that players’ diets, sleep, drinking habits and private activities can all affect their careers.
The manager specifically warned players against activities that could put them at unnecessary risk of injury.
“You cannot ski. You cannot ride a bike,” Mourinho said.
“You fall off your bike, and you don’t play three matches maybe, or maybe worse, maybe you break a leg.”
According to Mourinho, players must understand that professional football requires sacrifices.
“If you feel it’s a hobby, you’re dead. There’s always a relationship between what you achieve and what you give up,” he added.
Mourinho reveals why Real Madrid brought him back
Mourinho also explained why Real Madrid approached him for a second spell in charge after a difficult period for the club.
According to the Portuguese coach, the club wanted someone familiar with its culture to help rebuild the team after two seasons without a major trophy.
“After two seasons where the biggest club in the world didn’t have the best results and a little ‘divorce’ with the fans, the club contacted me,” Mourinho said.
“They told me, ‘We know you. You know us. You know the club, you know the culture. We need you. We need you to rebuild. We need you to start again an amazing decade that the club had. We need a person with your profile.’”
Mourinho’s return has, however, started with difficulties, with Real Madrid currently six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and having suffered a derby defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Source: ESPN
