Morientes, former Real Madrid star, on Mourinho and Mbappé: “I don’t like second chances but...”
Opinions on the changes required at the Bernabéu are wide and varied, so we were keen to hear those of someone who has been there before.
Fernando Morientes believes José Mourinho’s personality and experience could make him the right man to steady Real Madrid after a chaotic campaign, even if the Portuguese would not have been his first pick.
“I am not sure he would be my absolute first choice,” Morientes revealed, before we confirmed that the agreement is on the verge of being signed. “He is one of the options floating around.”
The former striker admitted he usually prefers fresh appointments rather than managers returning for a second spell, but feels Madrid’s current situation demands authority more than novelty.
“Jose Mourinho has already managed Real Madrid and has experience at other clubs. What he brings is experience and character,” he said.
“Personally, I have never been a big fan of second chances with coaches who have already been at the club. I prefer new options. But right now, what Madrid needs is someone with that profile: personality and character to handle a difficult dressing room.”
Morientes insisted the pressure comes with the badge itself rather than any toxic personalities inside the squad.
“Not difficult because the players are bad, but because it is Real Madrid and these things always happen,” he added.
Why Raúl was Morientes’ preferred choice
While Mourinho’s profile appeals to him, Morientes revealed he had hoped Real Madrid would turn to Raúl, pointing to the club’s history of succeeding under figures who already understand the institution.
“My first choice has always been Raúl because he has a similar profile to what has worked at Real Madrid,” he said. “Zidane, Del Bosque, Ancelotti, people who know the club well, who understand football and can instil Real Madrid’s values.”
Morientes also named Didier Deschamps as another coach he would have considered before returning to Mourinho.
“If Raúl was not available after leaving the academy, then Didier Deschamps would be another option because I know him well.”
Still, he made clear Mourinho’s commanding presence could suit the current crisis.
“I am not saying Mourinho is not the right fit. I just do not know him from the inside like I do Raúl or Deschamps,” Morientes said. “But if it were Mourinho, he does seem to have the right profile for what Madrid needs right now: someone with authority and strong character.”
Morientes warns pressure is building around Florentino Pérez
Morientes also suggested another failed season could create serious consequences for club president Florentino Pérez, recalling how a similar run once pushed him to resign.
“That is a good question. I do not think another bad season is in the plans, but if it happened it would be very tough for Real Madrid and for the presidency,” he said.
“In his first spell as president, something similar happened. There were a couple of bad seasons and he himself decided to step down.”
Despite the criticism surrounding Madrid’s season, Morientes stopped short of calling it a disaster and instead argued the club should treat it as a warning.
“When these things happen at a club like Real Madrid, the season gets labelled as disastrous. People like to put quite alarmist tags on these seasons,” he said.
“I would be a bit more cautious. They are disappointing seasons, there is no doubt about that, but I also think they serve to learn from mistakes. The mistakes have come from all sides.”
Morientes backs Mbappé despite criticism
Morientes also dismissed criticism aimed at Kylian Mbappé following Real Madrid’s trophyless campaign, arguing the French star’s numbers speak for themselves.
“70 million, you said? In an online poll? That is not credible. Not at all,” he said.
“Anyone can click: Barcelona fans, Madrid fans, people who hate Mbappé. It is all part of the circus around football.”
“A player like Mbappé who has scored nearly 50 goals? There is no debate. With Mbappé there is no debate.”
“I think it has been a fantastic individual season for him. But when a club like Real Madrid wins nothing, debates always start.”
The former Madrid, Liverpool, Monaco and Valencia striker was speaking with BetBrothers.
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