Madrid manager Mourinho praises team unity and new arrivals
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has expressed satisfaction with his squad’s unity and the commitment shown by new arrivals following their pre-season campaign. The team concluded their pre-season undefeated, securing a 3-0 victory over Schalke. This positive momentum comes just before their La Liga opener against Espanyol, which has been delayed by a week.
Mourinho highlighted the team’s growing cohesion, stating, “We’re playing as a team; there’s empathy, there’s teamwork. The team is starting to look like a team.” He noted that the players themselves are excited, which he considers the most important factor. This enthusiasm is evident in small but significant details, such as players reporting early from their holidays.
Team Cohesion and Individual Commitment
The manager observed a positive atmosphere both collectively and individually within the squad. While acknowledging that some players, having arrived later, have not yet reached the same intensity as those who started earlier, he noted that tactical ideas are gradually taking shape. Players who began on the first day have completed 30 training sessions and played 6 matches, whereas recent arrivals have had fewer sessions.
Despite differences in rhythm and stamina, Mourinho praised the superior quality of his players and their collective effort, both with and without the ball. He described the pre-season finale as a very good test, serving as a final training session before the competitive season begins. The manager emphasised that the real work involves competing and fighting for points, a prospect he and his team are eagerly anticipating.
The commitment of several key players who reported early for pre-season training particularly impressed Mourinho. Kylian Mbappé, Thibaut Courtois, Marc Cucurella, and Jude Bellingham all cut short their holidays to return to Valdebebas ahead of schedule. This gesture was publicly acknowledged by Mourinho, who also conveyed his appreciation to club president Florentino Pérez and his coaching staff, viewing it as a significant sign of the players’ sense of duty.
Mourinho noted that it is challenging for new players to immediately adapt to the high-intensity training regime, which includes double sessions in the morning and afternoon, often in considerable heat. However, he commended their top-notch mentality upon arrival. He mentioned that players like Mbappé, Konaté, Bellingham, Cucurella, and Diomande have been carefully managed regarding their playing time, with their minutes analysed scientifically based on data and their understanding of their own bodies. The team is reported to be in very good shape for this stage of the season.
New Arrivals and Tactical Integration
The manager expressed happiness with the recent additions to the squad, stating that the team comprises only good, very good, and extremely good players. He believes that through their combined efforts, they are taking the right steps to form a very strong team. The technical quality of the new players was never in doubt, but Mourinho was particularly surprised and pleased by their hunger and enthusiasm, which he described as a welcome surprise ahead of the new campaign.
Among the new arrivals is Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, for whom a significant fee was reportedly paid. Marc Cucurella, a Barcelona youth product and World Cup-winning left-back, also joined from Chelsea. These new signings are expected to contribute to the team’s objectives for the upcoming season. Mourinho’s focus remains on integrating these players into the team’s tactical framework, ensuring they adapt to the high-intensity environment.
The Real Madrid squad is now preparing for the start of their competitive season, with the La Liga opener against Espanyol set to be their first challenge.
The manager’s positive outlook and the observed commitment from the players suggest a focused approach as the team aims to achieve its goals in the upcoming campaign.
Source: managingmadrid.com
