Aitor Karanka Opens Up on Mourinho Era and Its Challenges

Former Real Madrid defender and assistant coach Aitor Karanka recently shared his insights on Iker Casillas‘ podcast, Under the Goalposts, reflecting on his return to the club in 2010, his relationship with José Mourinho, and the immense pressures faced during a pivotal time in the club’s history.

Karanka’s unexpected return to Real Madrid came as a surprise. He recounted how a phone call from Fernando Hierro changed everything while he was dropping his kids off at school. “Hey kid, where are you? Come here, I need to explain something to you,” Hierro said, revealing that Jorge Valdano wanted him as Mourinho’s assistant. Initially skeptical, Karanka laughed off Hierro’s insistence but soon realized the opportunity was genuine. “I went to his house and he explained that I was the one Real Madrid wanted as their assistant,” he recalled.

Building Trust with Mourinho

At that time, Karanka had no prior connection with Mourinho and sought clarity before accepting the role. “I didn’t know Mourinho at all,” he admitted. His meeting with Valdano led to a direct call from Mourinho, during which Karanka listened intently for 45 minutes as José laid out his vision. He later learned that Mourinho had sought recommendations from several former players who spoke highly of him, solidifying his place in the coaching staff.

The Challenge of Competing with Barcelona

Returning to Valdebebas was a dream for Karanka, who expressed gratitude for the chance to contribute. He reflected on the early days of Mourinho’s tenure, particularly the daunting challenge posed by Barcelona. “We all saw it the same way,” he stated. The harsh reality hit hard after suffering a humiliating 5-0 defeat at Camp Nou early in their campaign. “The first few months were spectacular… then we realized we had to change,” he noted.

The Copa del Rey final in Valencia marked a critical turning point for the team, according to Karanka. “For me, that match changed everything,” he asserted, emphasizing that it was a moment when they understood the need for total commitment to compete effectively against their rivals.

The Intense Clásico Rivalry

The 2010-11 season was marked by an intense run of Clásicos, and Karanka candidly admitted that they may not have been fully prepared for such a grueling schedule. “Looking back now, maybe not,” he reflected. He acknowledged that while there were ups and downs during that period, it left an indelible mark on fans and players alike.

Karanka also discussed the extreme demands of Mourinho’s second season, which culminated in Real Madrid winning La Liga. The statistics from that season illustrated a relentless push for excellence among everyone involved—from staff to players. Even after clinching the title, Mourinho’s expectations remained sky-high. “José gave a talk after we won La Liga… But we’ve won La Liga!” he recalled with disbelief at Mourinho’s insatiable drive.

A Painful Semifinal Exit

The emotional toll of their Champions League semifinal loss to Bayern Munich was profound for Karanka and the team. Reflecting on that fateful day when Cristiano Ronaldo and others missed crucial penalties, he described arriving back at the dressing room amidst palpable despair. “It felt like three days getting from the Bernabéu to La Finca,” he said solemnly. A deeply personal moment unfolded when he embraced Mourinho outside the gate; they shared tears over what could have been.

In hindsight, Karanka recognized that changes might have been necessary sooner rather than later. “Many times… you change when things have gone badly,” he said. He believed adjustments should have been made during periods of success to maintain momentum and morale within the squad.

The Legacy of an Era

Despite facing challenges during their time together, Karanka emphasized the lasting legacy of that era at Real Madrid. He noted how fans still remember those days fondly and how it set in motion future successes for the club. One of his most painful memories remains witnessing Mourinho’s press conference plea for fans not to boo players—a moment Karanka felt was misinterpreted by media outlets as a challenge against supporters.

“I can still picture José’s face that day,” he reflected somberly, illustrating how difficult it was to see someone who had given so much struggle under public scrutiny.

Aitor Karanka’s reflections reveal not just personal experiences but also provide insight into one of Real Madrid’s most turbulent yet defining periods in recent history.