Madrid manager Mourinho praises team unity ahead of La Liga opener
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has expressed satisfaction with his squad’s cohesion and commitment following their pre-season preparations. Speaking after a friendly victory against Schalke, Mourinho highlighted the team’s growing unity and the positive mindset of the players, particularly those who returned early from their holidays.
Mourinho noted that the team is developing a strong sense of empathy and teamwork. He observed that players who were expected to report later for pre-season training chose to arrive early, demonstrating a high level of dedication. This commitment was evident in their individual preparation and their immediate integration into the intense training schedule.
Squad Commitment and Intense Training
The manager specifically praised the commitment of players like Kylian Mbappé, Thibaut Courtois, Marc Cucurella, and Jude Bellingham, who reported ahead of schedule. This gesture of cutting short their holidays to return early deeply impressed Mourinho, who publicly acknowledged their professionalism. He also conveyed his appreciation to president Florentino Pérez and his coaching staff, viewing it as a significant sign of the players’ sense of duty.
Mourinho described the pre-season as positive, both for the team collectively and for individual players. He acknowledged the varying intensity levels among players, with some having completed 30 training sessions and 6 matches, while others who arrived later had fewer sessions. Despite these differences, he noted that tactical ideas are progressively taking shape, supported by the players’ superior quality.
The training regimen included double sessions, with group training in the morning and another tough workout in the afternoon, often under significant heat. Mourinho commended the new arrivals for their top-notch mentality in adapting to this demanding schedule. He mentioned specific playing times for new players in the friendly, with Mbappé getting 45 minutes, and Konaté, Bellingham, Cucurella, and Diomande each playing 30 minutes. These decisions were based on scientific analysis of data and the players’ understanding of their own bodies, ensuring the team is in good shape for the start of the season.
Looking Ahead to the New Season
The pre-season concluded with an undefeated record for Real Madrid, including a 3-0 win over Schalke. This positive outcome has set the stage for the upcoming La Liga opener against Espanyol. Mourinho emphasised that the friendly match against Schalke served as a crucial final training session before the competitive season begins.
The manager expressed his happiness with the new arrivals, stating that while it is difficult to discuss individual players at this stage, the focus is on building a very strong team from a group of highly skilled individuals. He believes the team is taking the correct steps to achieve this goal. Mourinho’s return to the Bernabéu for a second spell is aimed at challenging rivals and making a stronger push in competitions like the Champions League.
The club has made significant player acquisitions, including Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a reported nine-figure sum, and Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. These additions are expected to bolster the squad’s capabilities. Vinícius Júnior has also committed his future to the club, and Mbappé is coming off a strong performance at the World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot.
Mourinho’s previous tenure at Real Madrid saw him win the Copa del Rey in his first year, La Liga in his second, and a Supercopa de España in his third. His 2011-12 La Liga title win was particularly notable, with the team accumulating 100 points and winning 32 games, including a record 16 away wins. This historical context provides a backdrop for the expectations placed on his current return.
The manager’s focus on team dynamics and the early commitment shown by key players suggests a determined approach as Real Madrid prepares for their La Liga opener against Espanyol next Saturday.
Source: managingmadrid.com
