Mourinho's new calm at Real Madrid: "I don't believe it, his plan will blow up when things go wrong"

José Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid a decade later showing a far more composed version of himself than the one fans remember from his first spell. He has appeared relaxed in press rooms and on the sideline, a world away from the inflammatory tone that defined his previous tenure on the Madrid bench. Yet many remain skeptical of this apparent transformation, warning that the explosive character is still there, waiting for the first setback.

• Julio Pulido claimed on 'El Larguero' that Mourinho's calm is temporary and his roadmap will crack under the first wave of criticism.
• Manu Carreño backed the skepticism and joked about joining the queue of those who do not believe in the coach's new attitude.
• Pulido recalled that Mourinho even claimed to trust the refereeing establishment, something that will change once two decisions go against Madrid.
• The journalist linked the coach's media charm offensive to a strategy with an expiration date once defeats arrive.

Mourinho's calm approach divides Spanish sports media

In his first weeks back, Mourinho has avoided the verbal battles that made him so famous in the past. His appearances have been measured, with conciliatory messages toward the dressing room, the fans and the referees. That shift has sparked an immediate debate among analysts: is this a genuine evolution or a calculated facade waiting for the team to hit a rough patch?

Julio Pulido, a journalist at Cadena SER, has no doubts. Speaking on 'El Larguero', he was emphatic in saying he does not believe in this new version of the coach. His argument rests on the Portuguese manager's own career, someone used to living with controversy and reacting emotionally when things do not go as expected.

He comes with a roadmap that will blow up when things go wrong... clearly he is reaching out to the press, but how long will it last? Until the press criticizes him.

Referee relations emerge as the first flashpoint

One of the most striking aspects of this new Mourinho is his stance on match officials. The Portuguese coach even said he trusted the refereeing body, something unthinkable during his earlier spell, which was marked by constant clashes with officials. For Pulido, this declaration of good intentions has an obvious expiration date and will not hold up once controversial calls go against the Spanish giants.

Experience shows that Mourinho has never been able to tolerate refereeing errors against his teams. His record in England, Italy and Spain is full of protests, tense press conferences and suspensions. That is why the Madrid-based radio station interprets the current approach as little more than a tactical truce.

The press factor and a manager with a long memory

Another source of tension highlighted by Pulido is Mourinho's relationship with the media. The coach has shown a friendly and approachable attitude, a stark contrast to his past at Real Madrid, when press conferences often turned into verbal duels. However, the journalist argues that this closeness will vanish the moment criticism of the team's performances or results starts to mount.

The debate raised by Cadena SER touches on a recurring theme in Mourinho's career: maintaining a pleasant image during good times and transforming when pressure builds. For now, the Madrid squad is in the middle of building a project designed to win titles, and the Portuguese has adopted a low profile, acting more as a manager than as an agitator.

What is at stake for Mourinho on his return to Real Madrid

Beyond the debate over his behavior, Mourinho faces a top-level sporting challenge. Real Madrid has handed him the keys to a project in which he will have to fight for La Liga, the Champions League and every other trophy on offer. The demands at the Bernabéu leave no room for slip-ups and media pressure is constant, two elements that have historically brought out the worst in the Portuguese manager's character.

During his first spell at the club, Mourinho won one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup, but he left with open wounds in the dressing room, the press and the fanbase. That experience serves as a mirror to understand why some voices are skeptical of his apparent transformation: if the team strings together defeats or refereeing decisions turn against it, the fire is ready to ignite, according to Pulido.

Immediate challenges facing Mourinho's new Madrid project

Managing the dressing room and star players

The Portuguese must integrate a squad loaded with talent and oversized egos. His previous tenure was marked by friction with key players, a chapter he will need to avoid this time around if the project is not to derail at the first bump in the road.

Pressure for results from day one

At Real Madrid there is no adjustment period. Every match is a test and defeats generate crises that escalate quickly. If results turn sour, the underlying question will be whether Mourinho maintains his new composure or whether the tense, sharp-tongued manager everyone knows comes back.