Former Real Madrid defender explains how Mourinho has evolved: ‘He knows society is different now’

Former Real Madrid defender explains how Mourinho has evolved: ‘He knows society is different now’ Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho for a second stint at the club back in the summer, hoping he would be the man to bring silverware back to the Santiago Bernabeu. For a club of Los Blancos ‘ stature, going a couple of seasons without a single trophy is almost unheard of. Mourinho has come in and steadied the ship, and recent weeks have shown that his project is slowly taking shape in the Spanish capital. They have won seven games in a row, including an away victory in El Clasico and a dramatic comeback against AEK Athens last night. More importantly, for those who have followed Mourinho’s career for years, this version of him looks much calmer. Albiol sees a different Mourinho Former Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol, speaking on A Punt’s El Partit de la Una , has now explained what has changed with the Portuguese tactician. “I never had any doubts that Mourinho could deliver for Real Madrid in this second spell,” Albiol said, insisting that the manager has not stood still since his first stint ended in 2013 (h/t AS ). Raul Albiol knows what exactly it takes to play under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) “Mourinho has evolved. He knows society is different now, even professionals treat young people differently,” he explained. Albiol described his former manager as someone from the old school who has learned to adjust to the fast-paced world. Mourinho’s authority has always been a trademark of his management style, and while that has not diminished, his way of conveying it has changed. The responsibility lies with the players too Albiol also explained how having responsible players makes Mourinho’s life much easier. “Mourinho needs responsible players who look after themselves. Problems start when you are not professional,” Albiol added, placing equal emphasis on the standards expected inside the dressing room. His comments make a lot of sense considering how much Mourinho has managed to change the situation at Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho has done an excellent job at Real Madrid so far. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) He has brought a group of individual stars together to play as a team and focus on putting Real Madrid above every individual. However, one must not mistake Mourinho’s calmness for him becoming soft. He is still every bit the fierce personality who has managed at the highest level for more than 20 years. Madrid’s dressing room has responded well to the Portuguese tactician in these early months of the new season. It remains to be seen how Mourinho goes about making his team even more consistent and setting them up to compete for trophies on all fronts.