Los Blancos made another big summer splash in the transfer market again, however, this time it was not another play-maker making his way to the Bernabeu but a brash, successful coach. Moments after winning the UEFA Champions League on Real Madrid’s home soil, it became apparent that the Portuguese manager would take the reigns at the capital city club come the summer. Treble winning Inter Milan were suddenly without a coach and one can only wonder what Manuel Pellegrini, who lead Madrid to the second most points in La Liga history (unfortunately it was three points behind Barcelona), was thinking in the aftermath of the impetuous insinuation during the Champions League post-game press conference. Weeks later Pellegrini was sacked and “The Special One” hired for the Spanish giants. Ending Madrid’s recent European futility at the top of his list, Mourinho will take the helm of a talented Madrid squad looking up at an impressive, experienced Barcelona side.

There have been many words used to describe the Portuguese manager, winner of 2 Champions Leagues (Porto, Inter Milan) as well as 6 Domestic League, 3 Domestic Cup, 3 Domestic Super Cup, 2 League Cup, 1 UEFA Cup between his time spent at the aforementioned clubs and English power Chelsea; however, the majority of the banter is that of uncreative profanity or criticism. There is one big reason why Mourinho will be the perfect fit for Los Blancos. Hate or love him, it is hard to argue that he doesn’t know how to win, but it is not just his tactics that have produced so many trophies.

Jose Mourinho won his second Champions League title at the Bernabeu last May ©GettyImages

The list of clubs on his CV are the biggest name clubs in their respective counties with some of the biggest superstars in football. This leads to the same problem that has plagued the Bernabeu for the better part of a decade, the ability to manage the personalities and media. It is a talent that has not existed from a Madrid technical director in some time, which has consequently lead to their failure to live up to expectations. Mourinho’s demeanor draws the attention of the media away from his team, his players and focuses it on himself. Selfish? Egotistic? Maybe, or a brilliant maneuver to ease locker-room tension and allow the players to do what they are paid to do, play football.

New manager or not, Real Madrid still remain up to their same games in the transfer market. Though it would be nearly impossible to match the star-studded line-up brought into the capital city last summer, Mourniho and Florentio Perez have been working hand-in-hand to fill any voids the Portuguese manager may feel exist. With the club name attached to almost as many transfer rumors as Manchester City, it has not taken long for some new big names to make their way to Spain.

Angel Di Maria was the first player signed by the Spanish runners-up after a stellar performance in the World Cup. The Argentine international showed great poise and vision throughout the tournament despite lack of tactical direction from his manager. The Benefica winger will be joined in the midfield by former Spanish U-21 international Pedro Leon from Getafe as Mourinho looks to augment a midfield that hopes to compete for multiple domestic and international titles.

Sergio Canales, who was criticized by fellow players for joining Madrid at such a young age, will attempt to earn first team action after a move from Racing Santander (not a new summer signing, the deal was announced during the season last winter); however, many players around the league fear Canales will suffocate his ability to grow as a player.

And then there is the constant debate of who will and who won’t be joining Los Blancos come the start of the season in August. In the subsequent weeks to Inter Milan’s Champions League victory it seemed as if Maicon was already wearing Madrid white; however, while the rumor was quashed during the World Cup, the Brazilian defender’s agent is now saying that a move to Real Madrid is very possible. Sami Khedira, another midfielder who broke onto the international stage in South Africa , was rumored to be one of Mourniho’s targets. Stuttgart and the player in question have both denied the possibility of a transfer but the Spanish media have yet to rule anything out.

It is a similar circumstance for English left back Ashley Cole, who was rumored by Spanish captain and Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas to be heading towards the Bernabeu. Even though Chelsea’s manager Carlos Ancelotti has negated this rumor, never say never when it comes to Florentino Perez’s checkbook. The rumors will continue and the media will fuel their uncontainable flames but until a player is signed, Madrid have their hands in too many rumors to speculate which are credible.

The More Prominent of the Speculated Transfers:
- In: Fabio Coentrao (Wingback/Benefica/Portugal), Mario Gomez (Striker/Bayern Munich/Germany), Thiago Silva (Center back/AC Milan/Brazil), and Nemanja Vidic (Center back/Manchester United/Serbia)
- Out: Guti, Drenthe, Raul (save one Marca article linking him to the MLS through the NY Red Bulls there has been little supposition as to where the Madrid legend would go), and the two Diarras

Nevertheless, Madrid, who only finished one point behind Barcelona for the La Liga title last season, will be stocked with a deadly arsenal of talent on all parts of the pitch. A fit Pepe will help bolster a much maligned defence while a return to form from Kaka and Karim Benzema will be needed if Los Blancos hope to compete with their Catalan rivals. We are slowly alleviating our World Cup hangover as all the excitement of the 2010-2011 La Liga campaign will begin in a few weeks time and the world will see just how special Mr. Mourinho can be.