Mourinho relishes challenge of reviving Real's fortunes

JOSE Mourinho has been presented at the Bernabeu as the new coach of Real Madrid, signing a four-year deal with the Spanish side.

The Portuguese moves from Serie A outfit Inter Milan, where he helped guide the side to a Coppa Italia, Serie A and Champions League treble-winning campaign. Mourinho, who becomes the Spanish giants' ninth coach in six years, replaces Manuel Pellegrini.

Real sporting director Jorge Valdano said: "Mourinho has signed a contract for four seasons. It's an honour to have with us one of the most prestigious coaches in the world."

The former Chelsea manager, 47, terminated his contract with Inter last week after two seasons at the club. Real have paid Inter a reported 8 million in compensation. Mourinho said: "I don't know if I was born to coach Real Madrid but I was born to be a football coach. I love important challenges. I am Jose Mourinho and I don't change. I arrive with all my qualities and my defects.

"My attraction to Real Madrid is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win. It's a unique club and I believe that not to coach Real leaves a void in a coach's career. Luckily, I've had a beautiful career and it makes me proud to have come here. I am very enthusiastic. I want my players to think that way. The beauty is not so much to play at Real, but to win at Real Madrid."

Real parted company with Pellegrini last week after a disappointing campaign. They lost out to Barcelona in the title race and were knocked of the Champions League by Lyon in the first knockout stage.

"I think a coach needs to be ready to be sacked," Mourinho said. "But if a coach fears that, he doesn't work well and has great problems. I am a coach that has a lot of self-esteem and confidence and I don't think about the possibility of being sacked."

Mourinho shed little light on what changes he will bring to Real but outlined his vision for the future of the club. He said: "I believe it's time to analyse the situation, to get to know my club, ask lots of questions and get answers. I need to realise the direction of my work. The most important thing is not the coach or the players but the club.

The strength of my team is always the team and not the individuals."