Jose Mourinho began his quest to become the first 'Grand Slam
coach' when he took charge of his first training session as Real
Madrid manager on Friday.
The Special One took the Bernabeu job after guiding Inter Milan
to an historic Champions League, league and Italian Cup treble last
season and promptly announced he wanted to make history by winning
a titles in England, Italy and Spain.
The former Chelsea boss has been linked with plenty of stellar
signings as he looks to rebuild a Mardid squad high on attacking
flair but low on defensive steel. The likes of Ashley Cole, Steven
Gerrard and now Nemanja Vidic have all been mentioned as possible
big-money targets for the Portuguese.
Making a point: Jose Mourinho gives instructions to
his new Real Madrid players
Madrid are also said to be closing in on the £8.5million signing
of Stuttgart midfielder and Germany international Sami Khedira.
But there was little sign of such star quality on view at
Mourinho's first session, held at Madrid's Valdebebas training
centre, with galacticos such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain,
Kaka and Xabi Alonso all still on holiday following their World Cup
exploits.
Familiar faces: Mourinho with Madrid's ex-Premier
League players Jerzy Dudek (second left) and Lassana Diarra (third
left)
Lassana Diarra and Karim Benzema did have an early opportunity
to impress Mourinho, as their new boss put them through their
paces. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek also got his chance
to make an impression.
In a city still recovering from Spain's World Cup triumph and
the wild celebrations that followed, Mourinho made a low-key start
to life at Europe's most successful club.
But, knowing Mourinho, this will turn out simply to be the calm
before the storm.
Not going well, Jose? The Special One appeared to
be feeling the strain (left) and worked closely with French striker
Karim Benzema (right)
Welcome to your new home: The Valdebebas training
centre in Madrid