Despite lingering doubts over his future caused by Madrid's erratic domestic campaign and an allegedinternal rift with Federico Valverde, new head coach Jose Mourinho played a pivotal role,Marcaclaims. The Portuguese tactician's arrival proved definitive in convincing the player to stay and continue serving as an indispensable anchor in midfield. Crucially, the manager holds absolute authority over all upcoming squad movements, meaning he was heavily involved in the hierarchy's choice to hand the midfielder a new long-term deal.