José Mourinho completed his first day back at Valdebebas on Friday, declaring he is "on a mission" to restore Real Madrid after two trophyless campaigns. The 63-year-old Portuguese coach, who previously led the club from 2010 to 2013, told Real Madrid TV the job feels like a responsibility and honor rather than mere employment. His first match returns him to the touchline against Fiorentina in a friendly at Klagenfurt, Austria, on Aug. 1.

Madrid enters the season desperate for silverware after coming up empty under Carlo Ancelotti and the short-lived duo of Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa. The front office backed Mourinho with an aggressive summer window, securing Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries to reshape a squad that lacked defensive solidity and creative depth last term.

Mourinho's résumé since leaving the Bernabéu includes stints at Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahçe and Benfica. His only La Liga title came during his first Madrid spell, alongside a Copa del Rey and three Champions League semifinal runs. Preseason continues with the Teresa Herrera Trophy against newly promoted Deportivo La Coruña on Aug. 12.

The Fiorentina friendly offers an early litmus test for Mourinho's tactical imprint and whether the new signings integrate quickly. With a bloated fixture list looming, Madrid's title hopes hinge on the Portuguese instilling the defensive discipline and game-management that defined his peak sides — something the club has sorely missed since his departure.