Former Real Madrid manager questions Mourinho appointment: ‘I don’t know what’s the point’ | OneFootball

Despite intense criticism and uncertainty, Real Madrid made a bold call earlier this summer by re-appointing Jose Mourinho as head coach.

Long considered a manager of yesteryear, Mourinho has given positive vibes since rejoining Real Madrid so far and has played a key role in dictating the club’s aggressive transfer policy, which marks a break from recent trends.

Nevertheless, the Mourinho appointment has not pleased everyone, especially Jorge Valdano, who has a documented spat with the Real Madrid manager.

Valdano questions Mourinho appointment

Can Mourinho restore Real Madrid’s lost glory? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

In an interview with Portuguese outlet A Bola (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Valdano cast doubt over the logic behind bringing Mourinho back to the Bernabeu.

The former Real Madrid player, manager and sporting director stated that he did not understand the point behind re-appointing the ‘Special One’.

“Florentino opted for a different type of coach. The truth is, there aren’t many available for Real Madrid. The options are dwindling. I don’t know what the point is for Jose Mourinho to return to this responsibility; only the club knows,” he said.

Valdano was also cautious when asked whether Mourinho could finally deliver the Champions League this time around, stressing that much has changed since the Portuguese first arrived in 2010.

“Almost fifteen years have passed: football is not the same, society is not the same, Florentino is not the same, and Mourinho certainly won’t be either. So, we’ll see what happens,” he added.

Valdano’s history with Jose Mourinho

Valdano and Mourinho go a long way back. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Valdano’s scepticism is perhaps unsurprising given the pair’s history.

Valdano and Mourinho worked together during the Portuguese’s first spell in charge, but the friction between the two high-profile figures ultimately damaged their relationship, with Valdano eventually leaving his post while Mourinho stayed on for another two years.

Even so, the Argentine was keen to stress that he harbours no lingering resentment towards his former colleague.

“I’m the least resentful person in the world; conflicts don’t last long for me, I move on very easily,” he said.

For now, Mourinho will be focused solely on proving the doubters, Valdano included, wrong. Having overseen an ambitious summer rebuild, the Portuguese has the tools to make an immediate impact, and silverware in his first season back.