Real Madrid coach assesses new signing’s physical condition after debut
Mourinho’s assessment of Silva’s debut
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has commented on the physical condition of new signing Bernardo Silva following his first appearance for the club. Silva made his unofficial debut in a pre-season victory against Ferencváros in Budapest. Mourinho noted that the Portuguese midfielder is currently behind physically after his summer break, though he expressed no doubts about the quality Silva will ultimately bring to the team.
Silva joined Real Madrid on a free transfer earlier this summer after his contract with Manchester City expired. He entered the match at half-time, replacing Brahim Díaz, and played for 48 minutes. Initially, Silva operated in a deeper midfield role before Mourinho moved him into the No. 10 position during the second half.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Mourinho explained that Silva is still working to regain full fitness following his holidays. Mourinho stated, according to Diario SPORT, that Silva had not accumulated many minutes and had only participated in a couple of training days. He acknowledged that Silva’s approach to vacations involves disconnecting completely, which resulted in him presenting himself in a lower physical condition than usual. Despite this, Mourinho affirmed Silva’s quality as a “tremendous player” who needs to improve his fitness.
Mourinho also clarified that the decision to move Silva further forward in the second half was a tactical one. He noted that Silva provides good ball distribution and can play as a No. 6 or an No. 8. Recognizing Silva’s lack of physical strength during the match, Mourinho positioned him at No. 10, highlighting that this is another role Silva can perform effectively. The coach emphasized the advantage of having a player who can perform well in three or four positions.
Silva’s focus on fitness and versatility
Despite the public comments regarding his fitness, Bernardo Silva described joining Real Madrid as an opportunity he could not decline. The Portugal international expressed pride in wearing the club’s shirt and stated his immediate priority is to regain full match sharpness before the new season commences. His focus is on building his physical rhythm ahead of Real Madrid‘s La Liga campaign, which begins away to Espanyol later this month.
Mourinho’s comments also underscored why the club pursued the experienced midfielder. Silva’s versatility and tactical intelligence are qualities the new Real Madrid coach values highly. Throughout his career, Silva has demonstrated proficiency in several positions, primarily as a No. 10 or wide midfielder. Mourinho hopes that, in his advancing years, Silva can also operate effectively in the No. 6 or No. 8 roles when needed.
The current starting midfield trio for Mourinho in three pre-season matches against Leganés, Fiorentina, and Ferencváros has been Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler. The return of Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who are also nearing their return after post-World Cup breaks, along with Silva’s availability, is expected to provide Mourinho with more options.
Squad additions and future plans
Real Madrid has significantly strengthened its squad this summer with the arrivals of Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espí. However, Mourinho indicated that he still desires another versatile midfielder. He aims for a compact squad of 20 players, in addition to those currently injured, such as Rodrygo, Militão, and Ferland Mendy. Mourinho specifically mentioned the need for a player who can emulate Silva’s ability to play in various positions.
This desire for another midfielder reportedly intensified after Rodri chose to join Barcelona instead of Real Madrid during the summer transfer window. Real Madrid still has upcoming pre-season fixtures against Deportivo La Coruña and Schalke 04 before the start of their league campaign.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
