Courtois on Mourinho: Madrid need a coach with his personality

Thibaut Courtois said he is glad to be working again with José Mourinho, expressing the belief that Real Madrid "needed" a coach with his personality.

The Belgium goalkeeper played for Mourinho at Chelsea in the 2014-15 season, helping the Blues lift the Premier League title.

Mourinho returned to Madrid for a second stint this summer, replacing Álvaro Arbeloa following a trophyless 2025-26 season.

"It was really exciting to have him back," Courtois said during a web summit in Lisbon. "He fills the room. When you come in and he's there, you feel he's there. I think that is something that we needed."

Courtois, 34, believes Mourinho has changed since they last worked together, with the Portuguese manager being less intense while still maintains his essence.

"I think he himself says, he has maybe grown to be more matured even," the veteran keeper said.

"And with the experience, I think sometimes he is a bit more calmer. At Chelsea, I remember he was a bit more stronger in the dressing room, a bit more heavier [intense].

"Also now he is, but I feel he is a tiny bit less from what I remember from 12 years ago. But he's still the same personality, the same presence."

Madrid are riding an eight-game winning run, including a 2-1 league victory at Barcelona on Oct. 25, heading into the international break.

"At the beginning we had two losses but now everything is going well and we hope to keep that run going," Courtois said.

Madrid are benefitting from the great form of Jude Bellingham.

The England international has four goals and four assists in 12 league appearances for Madrid.

"He's so important to us," Courtois said of Bellingham. "I rate Jude very highly. First of all, he is a great guy, good friend. Second, he is an amazing player. I think his first season [at Madrid] was amazing. Last year, with all the team, I think we all played less well than maybe our qualities are. I think Jude played an amazing World Cup. I think he was maybe England's best player from the games I saw."

Bellingham, 23, scored seven goals across England's eight games at the 2026 World Cup and was recently named as England men's senior player of the year.

"He just kept this level," Courtois said. "He's very strong on the ball, with his runs, defensively, and he's very young still. I'm sure that the day he will retire, I hope he will retire with many more trophies at Real Madrid and hopefully also with England.

"Many not at the Euros because I would hope for Belgium [to win], but if they [England] would win it, I would be happy for Jude. He's a great player."