Real Madrid are officially back to work for pre-season, with Jose Mourinho taking charge of his first training session since the he returned to the Santiago Bernabéu
The Spanish giants began their preparations for the 2026/27 season as players reported at the club’s training grounds, marking the beginning of a new chapter under Mourinho
While the return of the players certainly delivered excitement ahead of another demanding campaign, lots of the attention has been directed towards the man leading the team.
Since his return to Real Madrid for the new season, Mourinho can now finally begin working with his team.
Mourinho Leads First Real Madrid Training Session
Mourinho’s first session gave the Portuguese manager an early opportunity to assess his players and start introducing his ideas.
Pre-season is always a crucial period for any new manager, but Mourinho’s scenario is unique. He already understands the needs of Real Madrid and is well aware of what it means to face one of the most challenging jobs in world football.
But this is a different team and a different era.
Meanwhile, players are starting to adapt to Mourinho’s method as he appears to be shaping up the squad ahead of the new season.
The opening training session was designed to get the squad back into rhythm after the break and involved fitness work and ball exercises as part of the preparations.
The coming weeks should be crucial for Mourinho.
He will need to evaluate his team, discover the roles of the individual players, and start building the tactical structure he wants to take on in the new season.
A New Era Begins at Real Madrid
Mourinho’s return has obviously caused a lot of discussion among supporters.
His first spells at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 have been filled with memorable moments, intense rivalries, and, of course, trophies. He led the club to a La Liga title with a record-breaking 100 points in the 2011/12 season, as well as dominating the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup
Now, over a decade later, he has returned for another chapter.
A lot has changed since he last was here, but Real Madrid’s expectations are still the same.
Victory and trophies are what is expected.
Mourinho can be expected to compete for La Liga, the Champions League, and all the other trophies he can win.
Real Madrid Begin Preparations for the New Season
The return to training officially signals the start of Real Madrid’s preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
Players will gradually work towards full fitness as Mourinho and his coaching staff increase the intensity of training over the coming weeks.
There will also be plenty of attention on how the squad responds to the new manager’s tactical demands.
For now, however, the first step has been taken.
Real Madrid are back on the training pitch; preseason is underway, and José Mourinho has completed his first session since returning to the club.
The hard work begins now.
Some photos and fan reactions as Mourinho leads can be seen below.
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