Kylian Mbappe and Jose Mourinho 'the perfect combination' as ex-France & Chelsea star expects new coach to build Real Madrid system around forward

Mourinho returns to Bernabeu

The Portuguese tactician has officially returned to the Spanish capital

Malouda anticipates tactical shift

The legendary manager is expected to place last season's Champions League and La Liga top scorer Mbappe at the very centre of his sporting project to restore domestic dominance.

Speaking to

"I think Mourinho is the right profile to maybe put some order in the Real Madrid team. He's a different manager now. He knows that he needs to engage and create a connection with Kylian Mbappe. I think he will try to build a system around him to allow him to lead the team. Most importantly, they both love football.

"They have the same passion and dedication to football. What makes them happy is results, and results mean winning trophies. This is the common objective they have."

Madrid to invest heavily this summer

The tactical restructuring must address the lack of creative cohesion that emerged within the squad following

Malouda added: "Looking at the signings they're starting to get, I can see there was a reflection on this season. Mourinho has the expertise to fix the problems that appeared this season. What was expected when Luka Modric left, when they had to renew the midfield, he is the one to try to find this balance to allow someone like Mbappe to score goals, lead, and lift trophies. They can be the perfect combination."

Pre-season rebuild begins swiftly

Mourinho faces an immediate test of his management skills when he integrates a star-studded squad during an intensive summer schedule. The administrative board will look to finalise key transfer arrivals before the new La Liga campaign officially gets underway over the weekend of August 15.