It has been only a month since Jose Mourinho arrived at Real Madrid, but it has taken him little time to assess the environment at the club and in the dressing room, and start making changes.
Indeed, according to AS, After observing the day-to-day habits at Valdebebas, the new Real Madrid coach decided the club needed greater structure, discipline and control.
His objective was not simply to reshape the team’s performances on the pitch, but also to redefine the routines surrounding the players’ daily lives.
From nutrition and injury rehabilitation to punctuality and team bonding, Mourinho has already left his mark with a new set of standards.
The Portuguese coach is not relying solely on strict discipline. For Mourinho, creating a united group is just as important as tactical work.
One of the first visible changes has been the introduction of regular team meals at Valdebebas. The club recently shared images of the entire squad and coaching staff eating together, something that had not previously been a regular part of daily life.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Laying down the rules. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
It is a routine Mourinho also implemented during his time at Benfica and has now brought to Madrid as part of his emphasis on team building.
“He wants to strengthen the group, create unity, and it’s been really exciting so far,” one source inside the club said.
Another added: “The atmosphere is very, very good.”
Following the tensions that surrounded the end of last season, those within the club view the improved mood as a major positive.
One of Mourinho’s biggest changes concerns what happens off the training pitch. The club’s nutritionists no longer play an advisory role. Instead, they now determine fixed meal plans for both breakfast and afternoon snacks.
Everything is carefully designed to maximise performance, leaving far less room for individual preferences than before. Where players previously enjoyed greater freedom regarding their meals, those choices have now been significantly reduced.
So far, however, the stricter approach has been well received within the squad.
Discipline has also been tightened. Rather than imposing financial penalties, Mourinho has introduced sporting punishments for lateness.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho wants to build discipline and order. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Players are now expected to arrive at Valdebebas one hour before the official reporting time. Anyone who fails to do so must complete an individual gym session instead of joining the group for training.
There are no exceptions and no special treatment, regardless of a player’s status within the squad.
Another major adjustment concerns rehabilitation. Players recovering from injuries are now expected to complete both morning and afternoon recovery sessions at Valdebebas, even if they continue working with personal trainers.
External rehabilitation programmes are no longer permitted.
Recovery remains coordinated with the club’s medical and fitness staff, but Mourinho has made it clear that rehabilitation is no longer viewed as an individual process. It is now closely monitored and managed collectively inside the club.
For Mourinho, professionalism begins long before kick-off. His new rules are designed to raise standards across every aspect of a player’s routine, not simply during training sessions.
With tighter control over nutrition, rehabilitation, punctuality and dressing-room culture, the Portuguese coach is already reshaping life at Valdebebas, determined to replace old habits with a new culture of discipline, accountability and unity.
Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
Despite seeming to be on his way to Real Madrid, Manchester City midfield general Rodri has chosen FC Barcelona.
After around ten days of meetings, discussions and direct conversations with the player, Real Madrid accepted his choice without drama.
Rodri informed the club of his decision earlier this week and, from that moment on, Real Madrid reverted to the original plan drawn up with Jose Mourinho.
At the heart of that plan is one player in particular: Bernardo Silva, reports Jose Felix Diaz of AS.
Although naturally an attacking midfielder or right-sided playmaker, Mourinho believes Bernardo Silva has the qualities to operate in a deeper midfield role.
The Portuguese international combines defensive work rate with excellent vision and composure in possession, qualities he has demonstrated on several occasions throughout his career.
Bernardo Silva of Real Madrid
Central to Mourinho’s plans. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
While he is not a specialist holding midfielder, Mourinho is convinced he can help shape Real Madrid’s build-up play alongside Aurelien Tchouameni.
Rodri’s decision to prioritise Barcelona forced Real Madrid to rethink their strategy.
Rather than immediately searching for another marquee signing, the Merengues now believe Bernardo’s arrival provides enough depth and quality in central midfield, at least compared to last season.
That does not mean the transfer market is completely closed.
With more than three weeks remaining before the window shuts, Real Madrid will continue monitoring potential opportunities.
However, the idea of Bernardo operating from a deeper position was already under discussion before pre-season even began, making Rodri’s rejection less disruptive than it might otherwise have been.
Rodri of Spain
Rodri has decided to join Barcelona. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Within the club there is also an acknowledgement that there is no player quite like Rodri on the market.
If another midfielder is signed, it would likely be someone capable of organising play in a different way rather than a direct replacement.
For the time being, though, Bernardo is expected to become Mourinho’s solution in midfield.
The Portuguese believes the former Manchester City star has the intelligence, technical quality and tactical discipline to help orchestrate Real Madrid’s build-up play from deeper areas.
As such, he is expected to form the foundation of the team’s midfield alongside Tchouaméni while the club continues to keep an eye on the market.