José Mourinho back at Real Madrid, under scrutiny for the biggest test of his career | OneFootball

José Mourinho will return to the Real Madrid dugout on Saturday, a surprise comeback that has swiftly become Spain’s main storyline and arrives amid clear scepticism.

According to L'Équipe, his first match back is against Espanyol Barcelona at 21:30, marking his first La Liga outing of this second stint.

Spain’s heavyweights may have spent hundreds of millions and signed a raft of international stars this summer, yet the league’s new focal point is a familiar one, Mourinho on Madrid’s bench 13 years after his last spell.

Former Madrid defender Rafael Alkorta has described him as the club’s marquee addition and the summer’s standout arrival in La Liga, arguing that a coach of his stature stands above the players for aura, experience and CV.

Expectation is set against doubt, and Mourinho’s return is being framed as the biggest challenge of his career as he steps back into La Liga.

Source: L'Équipe

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