Former Real Madrid star Joselu backs Mourinho appointment: ‘They need more discipline in the dressing room’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid striker Joselu believes Jose Mourinho’s return could provide the authority and discipline the club’s dressing room needs after a difficult season.

Speaking on Iker Casillas’ podcast Bajo los Palos, the Spain international shared his thoughts on Madrid’s current situation and why he believes Mourinho could make a difference.

Mourinho the right man for Joselu

Having been part of the Real Madrid squad until recently, Joselu said Mourinho possesses exactly the type of personality required to restore order within the team.

“Mourinho is a coach with a lot of character, with ideas that Madrid needs because it needs a change, and he’s a coach who has what it takes to put people in their place,” the former Spain striker said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

His comments appeared to suggest that internal egos have become an issue within the squad over the past season.

Mourinho the right man for the job reckons Joselu. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

When asked whether Mourinho is the right appointment, Joselu admitted only time will provide the answer, but he had no doubts about one thing.

“Could it be the best option? We won’t know that until the months go by,” Joselu noted.

Need for a change

However, he was far more emphatic when discussing the atmosphere inside the dressing room.

“Does Real Madrid need discipline, especially in the locker room? Yes, one hundred percent,” the striker remarked.

Joselu concluded by stressing that a club of Real Madrid’s stature cannot afford to endure another disappointing campaign.

Tchouameni and Valverde were involved in a locker room fight. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“A club like Real Madrid can’t afford to go two years without winning a title,” Joselu concluded.

Real Madrid’s issues

Last season was marred by internal problems and issues inside the locker room at Real Madrid.

There was a divide within the squad under Xabi Alonso, which eventually led to the manager’s sacking mid-season. Things did not improve a great deal under Alvaro Arbeloa either.

If anything, the situation got only worse as the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde were all involved in behind-the-scenes altercations in the locker room.

Given the situation, Joselu believes Mourinho’s leadership and strong personality could be crucial in restoring standards as Real Madrid look to bounce back next season.