Former Real Madrid midfielder explains why Mourinho is perfect fit for the club: ‘He is a cross between army colonel and orchestra conductor’

Former Real Madrid midfielder explains why Mourinho is perfect fit for the club: ‘He is a cross between army colonel and orchestra conductor’ Esteban Granero believes Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid is exactly what the club needs, backing his former manager to succeed during his second spell in charge. Granero, who worked under Mourinho during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, spoke to AS about the Portuguese coach, Real Madrid’s chances this season and the remarkable form of Kylian Mbappe. For the former midfielder, there is little mystery surrounding Mourinho’s credentials, as his familiarity with the club makes the appointment particularly convincing in Granero’s eyes. What makes Mourinho different Asked about Mourinho’s return, Granero was unequivocal in his assessment, stating, “I think it’s great news for both Real Madrid and Mourinho. He’s a manager whose qualities and abilities need no introduction or explanation. He knows the club better than any other manager.  “I believe that Real Madrid, given the circumstances they find themselves in, are backing a very reliable manager who will do very well for them.” Esteban Granero has backed Mourinho to succeed at Real Madrid. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) Granero also offered a memorable description of the manager’s personality, drawing on his own experience of working with him. “If I had to describe him, I’d say Mourinho is a cross between an army colonel and an orchestra conductor. He has the firmness and authority often associated with the army.  “I believe a football team must, in part, be like an army in terms of loyalty, unity and the collective fight for a common goal. “That stems from his knowledge of football, his tactical experience, his analysis of opponents and his analytical skills. He is exceptionally gifted in all these areas.” Granero backs Real Madrid as La Liga favourites There was little hesitation when Granero was asked whether Madrid should be considered favourites for La Liga. “They’re the favourites for everything, as always.” Granero calls Mbappe ‘a weapon of mass destruction’. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) His confidence is understandable given the attacking talent available to Mourinho, with Mbappe already producing numbers that have attracted widespread attention. Granero believes the Frenchman belongs in a rare category of footballers. “He’s a very special player. It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen a footballer like him.  “I struggle to recall players with such mastery of all aspects of the game and with such attacking prowess. He’s a force to be reckoned with, a weapon of mass destruction.” The comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo was inevitable, and Granero sees a connection despite clear differences between the two forwards. “They’re very different players, but you can tell that Cristiano was Kylian’s idol. And Kylian is following in his footsteps,” he concluded.