Nacho Backs Mourinho’s Return to Restore Real Madrid

His endorsement signals that Mourinho’s intense training methods could refocus a squad weakened by veteran exits and recent trophyless seasons.

Overview

Former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernández publicly backed José Mourinho’s appointment and said he believes Mourinho can get players fully committed to the club.
Nacho, speaking to AS on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, drew on his debut under Mourinho in 2011 to describe the manager’s training intensity as “100%” and a unifying force.
He praised summer signing Marc Cucurella as a ‘super-signing’ whose intensity and defensive qualities fit the immediate needs of the squad.
Nacho warned that trophies are not guaranteed and said the loss of long-serving, homegrown and veteran players has weakened Real Madrid’s identity and on-field cohesion.
The comments frame Mourinho’s return as a restoration project focused on discipline and commitment and set expectations that results will depend on whether the current squad rallies behind him.