Gareth Bale, Explains Why Real Madrid Need Mourinho Now
Gareth Bale has shared his views on Jose Mourinho's return as Real Madrid coach, highlighting his experience and ability to manage the team.
After a tumultuous 2025-26 season for Real Madrid in which two coaches—Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa—came in and left, the club's management chose to begin a new phase under seasoned manager Jose Mourinho. Although some have doubts because Mourinho has not focused on an elite team for a long time, Gareth Bale is positive about his return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
In an interview with The Athletic, Bale—a former Real Madrid winger who spent eight years at the Club and was Mourinho's teammate at Tottenham Hotspur in 2020-21—admitted that the Portuguese tactician's return would bring new energy to the Merengue. "After an experienced coach like Carlo Ancelotti, I hope Jose can stabilize the group and bring everyone together towards the same goal. Mourinho is known for bringing out the best game from each player—sometimes through pressure, sometimes by simply extending support," said Bale.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Z_7af3TEz.i7gy6YLQz06w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD02NzU7Y2Y9d2VicA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/madrid_voice_articles_898/fb8c435aac0d40265e4b532c44328ff1" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Bale added that he feels the difference with Ancelotti when it comes to player management: "Carlo is good at psychology and at motivating even players who don't always play. In these big clubs, it's important to know how to manage egos and personalities. That's why Carlo was successful and I hope Mourinho can emulate this."
Bale also shared the evolution of the tactical aspect of football in the last five years, which he said has become like chess and not just running. He said it's rare to carry the ball like Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Vinícius Jr., whom he still sees as players capable of thrilling fans.
Due to Bale's deep connection with the club and his knowledge of the two coaches' styles, he believes Mourinho's return is the right move to bring Real Madrid back to the pinnacle of success, especially after two straight seasons without a major trophy.
