Inter Milan icon explains what makes Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho special: ‘You miss him when he’s gone’ | OneFootball

Marco Materazzi has offered a glowing assessment of Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid, while drawing comparisons between the Portuguese manager and Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu.

The former Italy international knows Mourinho better than most. 

The pair developed a close relationship during Inter’s remarkable 2009-10 campaign, when the Nerazzurri completed a historic treble by winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.

More than 16 years after that unforgettable season, Materazzi still has enormous admiration for the Portuguese manager.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t MARCA), the former centre-back discussed Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid and explained why he was not surprised to see the coach back at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

“No need to panic; you just have to make the right changes,” said Materazzi.

Materazzi explains Mourinho’s Real Madrid return

Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid has created plenty of discussion across European football, but Materazzi believes the relationship between the Portuguese coach and Florentino Perez was crucial to the appointment.

“I know the relationship he has with Florentino, the great trust he has in José. He has handed the reins of Real Madrid back to him,” he explained.

For Materazzi, Mourinho’s role at a club like Real Madrid is clear. The Portuguese manager is someone who accepts the pressure rather than attempting to distribute it.

“The best thing about Jose is that whoever plays for him feels like one of his own and gives their all for him on the pitch,” he noted.

Marco Materazzi has nothing but praise for Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The former defender’s description of Mourinho’s influence goes even further.

“On the pitch, you’re willing to die for him,” Materazzi summed up.

Mourinho could bring Real Madrid players together

Materazzi was also asked about reports of tensions inside the Real Madrid dressing room, including speculation surrounding Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.

“Jose is capable of bringing them together and they will become great friends.”

Materazzi does not necessarily view tension inside a dressing room as a negative development. 

In his assessment, a certain level of friction can actually help a manager maintain intensity and keep players competing for their places.

That is particularly relevant at Real Madrid, where Mourinho has inherited a squad containing several established stars and strong personalities.

Materazzi warns Inter about Mbappe and Bernabeu

The reunion between Real Madrid and Inter gives Materazzi an opportunity to look at both sides from a unique perspective.

He knows what it means to play against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, but he also understands the mentality required to represent Inter in a Champions League environment.

Materazzi believes the midfield battle could prove decisive, yet he immediately identified two major threats that Inter must deal with.

Mourinho is set to face Inter Milan. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“I’m stating the obvious because it’s the truth: Mbappe. And the Bernabeu.”

Materazzi has experienced that environment himself, although his most important memory of the stadium is a positive one.

He was part of the Inter team that defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Bernabeu. 

That victory completed the treble and gave Mourinho one of the defining achievements of his managerial career.

Materazzi recalled the embrace they shared after the final and revealed that the private conversation between them remains something they have kept to themselves.

“What we said to each other – apart from my ‘F*** off, you’re leaving us with Benítez’ – will remain between us forever.”

Materazzi was clearly joking when recalling the moment, but there was genuine emotion behind his words. 

The relationship between the defender and manager had been strengthened by one of the greatest seasons in Inter’s history, making Mourinho’s departure particularly difficult for those inside the dressing room.

“The trouble is, you miss him when he’s gone,” he concluded.