Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions that he faces additional pressure to win the UEFA Champions League during his second spell at the club. Mourinho returned to the Santiago Bernabeu this season after previously managing the Spanish giants between 2010 and 2013. Ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan, he said his current responsibilities should not be linked to what happened during his first tenure.

Mourinho said he does not consider himself indebted to Real Madrid because he was unable to win the Champions League during his earlier stint. He pointed to the progress the club has made in European football since his first spell, noting that Real Madrid were struggling to reach the latter stages of the competition when he arrived in 2010. According to Mourinho, the club’s achievements since then mean the circumstances surrounding his return are entirely different.

The Portuguese manager acknowledged that Real Madrid are expected to compete for every major trophy, but stressed that building consistency and structure would be crucial to achieving success. His comments came after the team suffered a 1-0 defeat against Real Betis in LaLiga, their first loss since his return. Mourinho said the immediate priority was to establish stability within the team while maintaining the winning mentality expected at Real Madrid.

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The Champions League remains a particularly significant competition for Mourinho because it was the major trophy that eluded him during his first spell in charge. Real Madrid are seeking another European title after their most recent triumph in 2024, while expectations have increased following a difficult period without a major honour. Mourinho, however, insisted that he is approaching the competition without carrying the burden of his previous experiences at the club.

Kylian Mbappe also faced questions about the atmosphere inside the Real Madrid dressing room and his relationship with Vinicius Jr. The France international rejected suggestions that there had been a major change within the squad compared with last season. Mbappe said the team remains largely the same despite the arrival of a different coach, playing down speculation about problems within the dressing room.

Real Madrid will now turn their attention to Inter Milan as they begin their Champions League campaign. The meeting provides Mourinho with an early opportunity to respond to the recent domestic defeat and begin building momentum in Europe. While the club’s history ensures that expectations remain extremely high, Mourinho has made clear that his focus is on the present campaign rather than attempting to settle unfinished business from his first spell.

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