According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Aitor Karanka, who served as assistant coach under Mourinho during his first stint at Real Madrid, shared his thoughts on Mourinho's return to the Bernabéu, Real Madrid's season start, Spain's national team, and the Ballon d'Or in an interview at the Portugal Football Summit.

On Mourinho's return to Real Madrid

Karanka said: "Beyond the three years we worked together, we built a very strong friendship. After all these years, we're still friends, and I think that's wonderful. Of course, I'm very happy that a friend has been invited back by Real Madrid. Both Real Madrid and José are among the best in the world, so I believe everything will ultimately work out beautifully."

On Real Madrid's season start

Karanka assessed: "Real Madrid hasn't won any trophies in two consecutive years, and this is the most demanding club in the world. If someone can be strict with the team in daily work and push them forward, it's José."

"Having difficulties at the beginning is normal. Barcelona worked with Hansi Flick for three seasons, and the team is performing very well, so it's natural for Real Madrid to have a difficult start. But José has the ability to bring out the best in his players. Florentino Pérez has been president for many years and achieved great success, and if he's bringing José back... Knowing both of them, I believe their relationship is currently very good, and I hope it will last."

Earlier, Mourinho complained about the referee's decisions following Real Madrid's loss in the Madrid derby.

Settling disputes

Karanka said: "I prefer to remember the good sides of a person, and José has many strengths. Ultimately, everyone will defend their own perspective. José's achievements in football are undeniable."

On Spain

He said: "To win the World Cup, everything has to be perfect. We were fortunate that everything went smoothly. We have a group of players who performed excellently on the pitch and are even better people off it. Our head coach and coaching staff have been with the federation for 13, 14, or 15 years, which is very helpful. The relationships they've built with the players go beyond just a coach-player dynamic—they're like fathers, friends, and confidants. I believe that everything built off the pitch will ultimately be reflected on it."

On Fresneda

He said: "As the national team coaches, Luis de la Fuente and Godoy, have said, it would be wonderful if all Spanish players could play in Spain. But Europe's strongest leagues attract the best players. We're fortunate to currently have some Spanish players competing in Portugal; just like La Liga, the Portuguese league is also developing. We're delighted that Spanish players can become key contributors for foreign clubs and display the necessary quality when called up to the national team."

On the Ballon d'Or

Karanka said: "Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Dani Olmo... Spain has many candidates. Spanish football clearly deserves recognition. Beyond their abilities and talent on the pitch that everyone can see, they are all outstanding people off it. So I hope a Spanish player will win. I think Spanish players deserve it most, and we have many strong candidates."

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