By Parrot Newspaper Mourinho Once Called Me Useless – Raphaël Varane
By Ricky Awodi
Mourinho’s Tough Love: A Catalyst for Varane’s Growth
Former Real Madrid defender Raphaël Varane has opened up about the intense mentorship he received under football manager José Mourinho, revealing how the Portuguese coach once called him “useless.” The revelation sheds light on Mourinho’s unique approach to player development and how it shaped Varane’s illustrious career at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mourinho’s Arrival and Varane’s Early Challenges
Varane joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2011 from French club Lens, linking up with Mourinho, who was preparing for his second season in charge of Los Blancos. The young Frenchman arrived with high expectations, but breaking into a star-studded Madrid defense was never going to be easy.
Recalling their initial interactions, Varane shared with The Bridge that Mourinho set a simple but firm expectation:
> “When I arrived, he [Mourinho] told me: ‘I only want one thing—that for an hour and a half every day, you give everything. The rest, don’t worry, you will progress, I will take care of it, relax.’”
Despite the encouraging words, Varane found himself playing sparingly in his debut season, mostly in low-stakes matches. This limited game time led to a crisis of confidence, and when the pressure mounted, Mourinho’s tough love came into play.
The Moment Mourinho Called Varane ‘Useless’
As expectations grew in his second season, Varane struggled to find his rhythm. It was during this period that Mourinho delivered his stinging remark:
> “He’s someone I really respect. He is charismatic, and he said to me straight out, ‘But why are you useless?’”
The directness left Varane stunned. However, rather than breaking him, the challenge ignited a fire within the young defender. He responded by confronting his own struggles, admitting to Mourinho that he found it difficult to perform due to a lack of consistent game time.
How Mourinho’s Words Shaped Varane’s Career
While the exchange may have seemed harsh, it ultimately played a pivotal role in Varane’s development. Mourinho’s demand for mental resilience helped the Frenchman mature into one of the best defenders of his generation. Under Mourinho’s watch, Varane learned the importance of self-belief, adaptation, and mental toughness—qualities that later defined his career at Real Madrid and beyond.
Varane’s growth was undeniable. He went on to win 18 trophies with Real Madrid, including four Champions League titles, before making a high-profile £42 million move to Manchester United in 2021.
Mourinho’s Controversial but Effective Coaching Style
Mourinho’s blunt and sometimes abrasive coaching methods have divided opinions over the years. While some players struggle under his tough approach, others, like Varane, thrive. The incident highlights Mourinho’s ability to push players to their limits and extract the best from them, even if it means using harsh words as motivation.
As Varane reflects on his time under Mourinho, it is clear that the moment he was called ‘useless’ was not an insult, but a turning point. It was a calculated move by a master tactician who knew exactly how to challenge his players.
Conclusion: The Making of a Defensive Great
Raphaël Varane’s journey from a struggling youngster to a world-class defender is a testament to both his resilience and Mourinho’s unorthodox but effective mentorship. His story serves as a reminder that greatness often comes from adversity—and that sometimes, the harshest words can lead to the most significant growth.
With a legacy that now includes success in Spain, England, and on the international stage with France, Varane’s rise is proof that Mourinho’s tough love was, in the end, an invaluable lesson in football and in life.