Courtois on Mourinho: 'Good to have him back'

The reunion

Mourinho's reported return to Real Madrid is the biggest managerial storyline in La Liga this summer. Multiple outlets have covered the story — Marca and AS have both reported on the speculation — though an official club confirmation remains outstanding at time of writing. Courtois, according to Foot Mercato, has offered a warm personal take on the prospect from inside the dressing room.

The full substance of his comments sits behind a paywall, so the precise wording is unconfirmed from this source alone. What the excerpt does indicate is that Courtois spoke positively about the dynamic — not a surprise given that Mourinho's first spell at the club is remembered fondly by players who worked under him.

Until a fuller transcript surfaces or a second source picks up the quotes directly, treat the detail here as preliminary.

The fitness question

The other thread running through the interview is the one Real Madrid fans will be watching most closely on matchday: whether Courtois is fully himself again. He sustained a knee injury that disrupted his season, and heading into a new campaign under a new manager, his physical condition matters.

He has addressed the comeback directly, per Foot Mercato, though the precise timeline and current status of his recovery have not been independently confirmed from this report alone. What's known is that he is back at the club and preparing for the season — which is the right direction.

A fit Courtois and a motivated Mourinho in the same building would give Real Madrid a strong foundation heading into a campaign where the club will be expected to compete on every front.