Antonio Rudiger has welcomed the chance to work under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid after the Portuguese coach was confirmed as the club’s first-team head coach until 2029.
The Germany international spoke from his national-team camp during the 2026 World Cup build-up, with Mourinho due to begin work in Madrid on July 13, the opening day of pre-season. Real Madrid confirmed earlier this month that Mourinho had been appointed for the next three seasons.
Rudiger’s reaction matters because he is one of the senior defensive voices Mourinho will inherit. The centre-back has already played for Chelsea and Roma, two of Mourinho’s former clubs, but their careers never previously overlapped.
Rudiger excitement adds early weight to Mourinho return
Rudiger said he was “incredibly excited” and noted that he had spoken with Mourinho in the past without the chance to work under him materialising, according to Managing Madrid.
The timing gives Mourinho an immediate dressing-room boost before his second spell at the Bernabeu begins. Real Madrid have already moved to strengthen the centre-back area with Ibrahima Konate, while Rudiger’s experience should still be central to the reset.
For supporters, the key point is not just nostalgia around Mourinho’s return. It is that an established defender has publicly framed the appointment as something to embrace before the squad reconvenes for pre-season.
