Real Madrid stand on the brink of yet another defining moment as José Mourinho edges closer to a dramatic return to the Santiago Bernabeu. According to reports, the Portuguese coach has already signed a contract to take charge once again, more than a decade after his first spell ended in tension and division. The circumstances he inherits this time are hardly forgiving, and the list of issues demanding immediate attention is long.The 2025–26 season has been deeply disappointing for Madrid by their own lofty standards. Internal discord has spilled into the open, two different managers have already been dismissed, and the club has failed to secure a major trophy for the second year in a row. For an institution built on success, such a drought is almost unheard of in the modern era. The last time Madrid experienced a similar lull, Florentino Perez turned to Mourinho as a catalyst for change—and history now seems to be repeating itself.However, the context of Mourinho’s return is more complex than it was in 2010. While his earlier tenure brought silverware, including a record-breaking La Liga campaign and a hard-fought Copa del Rey victory over Barcelona, it was also marked by fractures within the squad and a confrontational atmosphere that ultimately led to his departure. Those memories remain fresh, and not all supporters are convinced that revisiting the past is the right way forward.Restoring Order in a Divided Dressing RoomIf Mourinho is to succeed, his first and perhaps most urgent task will be to repair a fractured dressing room. Reports of conflict have been frequent throughout the season, culminating in a physical altercation between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde at the training ground. While that incident captured headlines, it was merely one symptom of deeper unrest within the squad.Both of Madrid’s recent coaches struggled to assert their authority. Xabi Alonso’s tenure collapsed in part because he failed to secure the backing of influential players. His difficulties became clear when Vinicius Junior reacted angrily to being substituted in a crucial match, an episode that marked the beginning of a downward spiral. Alvaro Arbeloa, who followed him, encountered similar resistance, with even high-profile figures like Kylian Mbappe openly expressing dissatisfaction.Mourinho, renowned for his strong personality and uncompromising approach, is unlikely to shy away from confrontation. Yet this very trait poses both an opportunity and a risk. He must strike a delicate balance: enforcing discipline without reigniting the divisions that plagued his previous stint. Establishing a clear hierarchy, curbing leaks from within the club, and fostering unity will be fundamental to stabilizing the team.Leadership within the squad is another pressing concern. With Dani Carvajal departing, Madrid face the prospect of losing their captain for the sixth consecutive season. The steady exodus of experienced figures such as Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modric has left a vacuum. Mourinho will need to identify and empower new leaders capable of guiding the team through this transitional period.Addressing Defensive FragilityBeyond internal harmony, the team’s on-field shortcomings must also be tackled. One of the most consistent weaknesses over recent seasons has been a lack of defensive discipline. This issue has persisted regardless of who has been in charge, suggesting a structural problem that goes beyond individual coaching philosophies.Madrid’s struggles have been particularly evident when attempting to play with a higher defensive line. The squad is filled with attack-minded players who are less comfortable with the demands of pressing and tracking back. As a result, the team has often appeared disjointed, vulnerable to counterattacks, and unable to maintain consistency across competitions.Mourinho’s tactical preferences could offer a solution. His teams have historically excelled when operating in compact, well-organized defensive systems, often prioritizing structure over flair. A return to such principles might provide the stability Madrid desperately need. However, convincing a group of star forwards to embrace a more disciplined approach will be a significant challenge.Solving the Mbappe–Vinicius PuzzlePerhaps the most intriguing tactical dilemma involves integrating Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior into a cohesive attacking unit. Both players are among the most talented in world football, yet their coexistence has not produced the expected results.Under Alonso, Mbappe thrived initially, but Vinicius struggled to maintain his influence. Arbeloa’s tenure saw a reversal, with Vinicius rediscovering form while Mbappe’s performances dipped. The difficulty lies in the fact that both players prefer to operate in similar areas on the pitch, particularly on the left flank.Finding a way to maximize their strengths simultaneously will be critical. Mourinho will need to devise a system that allows both players to shine without compromising the team’s overall balance. This may involve positional adjustments, changes in attacking patterns, or even difficult decisions regarding roles and responsibilities.Off the field, there are additional considerations. Vinicius’ contract situation remains unresolved, though the club appears relatively relaxed about negotiations. Keeping him motivated and fully committed will be essential, especially given his importance to Madrid’s recent successes. Mbappe, meanwhile, carries the burden of expectations as arguably the team’s leading figure, and his relationship with the coach will be closely scrutinized.Reconnecting with the SupportersThe atmosphere at the Bernabeu has become increasingly strained. Frustration among supporters has grown as performances have declined, leading to audible discontent during matches. Even the club’s leadership has not been immune to criticism, with public protests highlighting the scale of dissatisfaction.Rebuilding the bond between the team and its fans is therefore another priority. Mourinho’s charisma and ability to command attention could help shift the narrative, at least initially. His presence alone is likely to generate excitement, but long-term support will depend on visible improvements on the pitch.Supporters crave intensity, commitment, and a sense that the team is fighting for the badge. Delivering those qualities consistently will be key to restoring faith. Mourinho has the experience to cultivate such an identity, but whether he can sustain it in the current environment remains to be seen.Strengthening Squad PlanningFinally, there is the issue of squad composition. Despite continued success in recent years, tensions have existed between coaches and the club hierarchy regarding recruitment and squad depth. Those concerns have become more pronounced as gaps in the team have emerged.Defensively, Madrid lack sufficient cover, while the midfield has yet to find a natural successor to figures like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Addressing these deficiencies will be crucial if the team is to compete at the highest level.Mourinho is not known for remaining silent on such matters. During his previous tenure, he demonstrated a willingness to push for specific signings and make decisive calls, often with positive results. Whether he will be granted similar influence this time may depend on the outcome of the club’s internal politics, including the presidential situation.A Familiar GambleThe decision to bring Mourinho back represents both a bold move and a significant risk. His track record suggests he can deliver immediate impact, particularly in restoring discipline and competitive edge. Yet his history also serves as a reminder of the potential for conflict.For Real Madrid, the coming months will be crucial. The club must navigate a period of transition while maintaining its identity as a powerhouse of European football. Mourinho’s return offers the promise of renewed energy and direction—but whether it leads to harmony or further turbulence will ultimately define this latest chapter in the club’s story.The post Will Jose Mourinho Be Able to Solve Real Madrid Issues Again? appeared first on SoccerNews.