Real Madrid re-appoint Jose Mourinho to fix Mbappe and Vinicius issues
Jose Mourinho is set to be re-appointed as manager of Real Madrid, tasking the Portuguese coach with reviving a squad that has failed to win a major trophy in two seasons.
The returning tactician arrives at the Bernabeu aiming to restore the club to the pinnacle of European football.
The Spanish giants finished a distant second to rivals Barcelona in La Liga last season.
They suffered the humiliation of watching their fierce rivals secure the title with a decisive Clasico victory at the Camp Nou.
Bayern Munich also eliminated them from the Champions League, compounding a miserable run that ultimately led to the failure of Xabi Alonso’s tenure.
Repairing the Vinicius Jnr relationship
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss must immediately address his dynamic with star winger Vinicius Junior.
Tensions flared previously when the Brazilian accused Mourinho’s former Benfica player, Gianluca Prestianni, of racial abuse.
Although those specific claims were unproven, the incoming coach sparked controversy by publicly suggesting the forward’s behaviour invites trouble from opposition fans.
However, reports indicate the pair have recently spoken and are prepared to begin their working relationship with a clean slate.
Maximising Mbappe’s undeniable talent
Mourinho is renowned for building a siege mentality, a psychological approach he will need to unite a fractured fanbase.
Real Madrid supporters have recently booed Kylian Mbappe, questioning the World Cup winner’s dedication to the collective cause.
The prolific attacker has scored a staggering 86 goals in just two seasons since his high-profile arrival from Paris St-Germain.
Yet that immense individual haul has only yielded a European Super Cup and a Club World Cup for the team.
Integrating Alexander-Arnold into the system
As PSG celebrate back-to-back Champions League triumphs without their former talisman, the pressure is on the new Bernabeu boss to prove he can build a cohesive unit.
He will also be tasked with elevating the game of England international Trent Alexander-Arnold following a difficult start to his career in the Spanish capital.
Finding the right tactical balance for his galaxy of stars will be pivotal to delivering both domestic and continental success.