We needed Mourinho — Real Madrid star explains how ‘Special One’ changed from Chelsea days

Speaking to Sky Sports during the Web Summit in Lisbon, the Belgium international offered an insight into the cultural shift initiated by the Portuguese manager, who returned to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2026.

"He fills the room. When you come in, and he’s there, you feel he’s there," Courtois stated, acknowledging the manager’s commanding aura. "I think that is something that we needed."

Mourinho inherited a fractured squad plagued by internal divisions and tactical indiscipline.

Prior to his arrival, the dressing room descended into disarray during the trophyless 2024/25 and 2025/26 campaigns, as successive managers Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa struggled to control the squad.

Factions had emerged among the club’s attacking superstars. Tactical tension arose between Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, as their playing styles clashed within the system, while senior players frequently disagreed with the coaching staff’s directives.

The lack of authority resulted in Real Madrid conceding consecutive LALIGA titles to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, prompting the boardroom to task Mourinho with imposing discipline.

Courtois, who previously won the 2014/15 Premier League and the 2014/15 League Cup under Mourinho at Chelsea, noted a subtle shift in the manager’s approach during their reunion.

"At Chelsea, I remember he was a bit stronger in the dressing room, a bit heavier [intense]," Courtois explained to Sky Sports, highlighting the evolution of Mourinho’s man-management.

That measured intensity has successfully repaired the fractured environment. According to Marca, senior players have praised Mourinho for his closeness and his ability to manage elite egos, replacing the previous tension with a renewed tranquillity at the Valdebebas training ground.

The harmonious atmosphere translated into a flawless October, with Real Madrid winning all five of their matches across all competitions.

That perfect run, which included a vital 2-1 El Clásico victory over Barcelona at the Camp Nou on October 25, earned Mourinho the LALIGA Manager of the Month award.

Real Madrid currently sit three points behind Barcelona in LALIGA, boasting 30 points from 12 matches, and have maintained a 100 per cent winning record across their opening four Champions League fixtures.