Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid for a second spell as manager, 13 years after leaving the club in 2013 in what is a fairytale storyline for the legendary coach.
Los Blancos will be aiming to wrestle the title back from Barcelona this season and after two trophyless campaigns, silverware will be on the mind of every Madrid player as well as Mourinho whose ultimate goal is one more trophy lift.
Madrid head to the RCDE Stadium to tackle Espanyol in their opening clash this weekend and Mourinho outlined what would make this season a success as fans look to him for progress and inspiration.
“There are many ways to look at it. The only way to be pragmatic is to focus on results. We can improve a lot on many levels, build up the structure, and there’s a lot that needs to change, but results are what count.
“We have three competitions plus a small one. Finishing without any trophies at Real Madrid is not a successful season.
“I wouldn’t call it pressure; I’d call it adrenaline. It’s a positive thing. The day I don’t feel it, something’s not right. I don’t feel pressure, whether it’s for debuts or games. I have a lot of confidence in the work we’ve done.
“A lot of confidence in the players’ ambition, their mindset, and the passion they show me. It’s a tough game, but tomorrow when we travel, we’ll do so with the conviction that we’ll come back with the three points.”
Madrid President Florentino Pérez has turned to Mourinho to restore discipline and a stronger dressing room culture to bring back stability to a side who desperately need a boost this season after years of failure.