Courtois Backs Mourinho’s Real Madrid Return, Recalls Being Dropped at Chelsea as Motivational Tool

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has offered a warm reception to José Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu, citing a longstanding relationship of mutual respect built during their time together at Chelsea as grounds for optimism.

Mourinho has been reappointed at Real Madrid following a difficult period for the Spanish club, which ended a second consecutive season without lifting a major trophy. His return marks his second spell in charge at the Bernabéu, having previously managed the club between 2010 and 2013 — a tenure that delivered one La Liga title and a Copa del Rey.

“Mourinho is very direct, and I am the same way. We’ve always had a very good relationship,” Courtois said, speaking on the appointment.

The Belgian international was keen to illustrate how Mourinho’s management style, though demanding, ultimately produced results. He recalled a specific incident from his Chelsea days that demonstrated the Portuguese coach’s methods. “We had our occasional disagreements, of course. I remember being left out against Everton after missing two crosses in a match against Aston Villa. That was Mourinho’s way of sending a message,” Courtois explained.

Rather than allowing the experience to affect him negatively, Courtois described how it served as a catalyst. “The following week I returned to the team against West Ham and made several important saves. That’s how he worked. He always pushed players to respond,” he added.

Courtois and Mourinho overlapped at Chelsea during the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, a period in which the Blues won the Premier League title in 2014–15. Courtois went on to establish himself as one of the world’s leading goalkeepers, joining Real Madrid in 2018 and winning the UEFA Champions League in 2021–22 — though a serious knee injury sidelined him for much of the 2023–24 campaign.

Mourinho’s return to Madrid comes at a pivotal moment for the club. According to reports, the 63-year-old is already looking to reshape the squad, with sources suggesting he is planning to make Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen his first major signing. Osimhen, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, has been one of European football’s most sought-after forwards in recent transfer windows.

The broader context of Mourinho’s appointment also intersects with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently underway, with several Real Madrid players — including Courtois, who is representing Belgium — featuring for their national sides. Belgium are scheduled to face Egypt in the group stage, adding additional scrutiny to the performances of Madrid’s key players ahead of what promises to be a busy summer transfer period under new management.

For Courtois, the reunion with Mourinho appears to be a welcome development. His comments suggest a working relationship grounded in honesty rather than tension — a dynamic, he implies, that brought out the best in him as a younger goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge.