Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
Jose Mourinho became the first to take part in Real Madrid’s official presentation of their new signings this summer.
As already reported, the Merengues have decided to do away with grand presentations with fans and media and instead opted for a low-key event.
As such, the coach was accompanied only by Florentino Perez during the ceremony.
There were no family members or media present. Real Madrid TV was the only outlet to provide images of the event, and it did not broadcast Mourinho’s presentation live.
A private welcome for Mourinho
Mourinho and Perez watched a video featuring the coach from his first spell on the Real Madrid bench, along with footage from this pre-season.
Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez of Real Madrid
Mourinho’s official presentation. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
That was followed by the formal signing of his three-year contract, a photograph of Mourinho holding a shirt with his name on the back, and the presentation of gifts from the president.
The Portuguese coach received a replica of the stadium, a watch and a shirt bearing his name.
Honorary president Jose Martínez Pirri also attended the ceremony. After a final embrace, that was it for Mourinho’s presentation.
Mourinho speaks out
Following the act of presentation, Mourinho briefly spoke with Real Madrid TV, wherein he delivered a short but touching message to the Madridistas.
“It’s like coming home. It’s even better than the first time I came. That time it was the feeling of reaching the top as a coach. Now it’s more emotional,” he said.
“I am one of you (Madridistas). Always have been, ever since I left.”
Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez of Real Madrid
A low-key presentation ceremony. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
“Working for Real Madrid means a great deal to me. The responsibility of working for the club is paramount and something everyone at Valdebebas should feel,” Mourinho added.
Continuing, the manager noted: “Words aren’t enough… because it’s like a mission . It’s not about being worried about myself or whether I’m going to earn a lot or a little.
“I’m here to help everyone be better: players, staff… To create a culture of work, responsibility, ambition , and something I know well, which is the responsibility and honour of working for Real Madrid. I really like this concept.”
Although he has been in charge of the team since June, he was only formally presented today, behind closed doors and without supporters, family members or the media.
The remaining Real Madrid signings will now have their presentations in the same format. They will take place privately, without media coverage, although the players may be accompanied by their families.
Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid player
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s plans for further additions this summer could depend on players leaving first, but two names recently linked with exits do not appear to be heading towards the door.
According to Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, there have been no concrete developments regarding departures for Eduardo Camavinga or Raul Asencio, despite both players emerging as possible candidates to leave in recent weeks.
The situation is serious because Jose Mourinho is still keen to strengthen his squad with another centre-back and a midfielder.
Real Madrid are monitoring options, but the message inside the club is that further signings will require space to be created first.
Real Madrid explored exits, but…
On that note, Camavinga and Asencio were among the players considered in that regard.
Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid player
Real Madrid are open to selling Camavinga. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
For now, though, neither appears interested in leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, leaving Real Madrid with a problem to solve if they want to give Mourinho the reinforcements he is still looking for.
Camavinga’s name has been discussed internally as Real Madrid looked at possible ways of generating an exit.
The French midfielder has attracted interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United among the clubs linked with his situation. However, the player wants to remain at Real Madrid, making any potential transfer difficult before negotiations even begin.
What about Asencio?
The same applies to Asencio.
Real Madrid also explored the possibility of moving on the 23-year-old centre-back, although there have been no concrete steps towards a departure.
Raul Asencio of Real Madrid
There is no movement regarding Camavinga and Asencio. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The defender, who suffered a thigh injury in late July, is also understood to want to stay and fight for his place.
Recent reports had linked Liverpool with a possible move, but Asencio’s desire to remain in Madrid means there is currently little momentum behind the speculation.
For now, Mourinho has made it known that he would like another centre-back and a midfielder, and the club continue to assess potential targets.
However, wanting to strengthen the squad and being able to do so are two different things, as the situation surrounding Camavinga and Asencio is becoming quite difficult to resolve due to lack of movement.