Ibrahima Konate, France star and Real Madrid new signing
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
After working for close to a month in pre-season without international players available, Jose Mourinho has now welcomed back a significant part of the dressing room.
Most of the team’s big names are now back in training, with the others also set to return in the coming days. By the end of the week, Los Blancos will have a full-strength group in training.
Kicking off a new project at the club, Jose Mourinho’s big task thus begins now as he must transmit his ideas and transform the dressing room to his liking.
Helping the new signings adapt is critical on that front, and Ibrahima Konate is one of the new arrivals who is already working at the club facilities.
Earlier today, the new Real Madrid player took to his official Instagram account to post pictures of him attending training at his new club. His caption, needless to say, said everything about how excited he is.
“Day one. A new chapter begins,” he wrote, signalling how he was looking forward to the new beginning.
Ibrahima Konate and Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid player
Konate has reported for Real Madrid training. (Picture credit: X/@realmadrid)
“Proud to wear this crest, ready to work, and ready to give everything,” he added, committing his best to the club.
The coming weeks, needless to say, will be important for Konate as he will look to get up to speed and integrate seamlessly into Jose Mourinho’s tactics. As a new signing, the importance of the period of adaptation cannot be understated.
While Konate does arrive as Real Madrid’s premium centre-back signing, it is clear that his previous season was far from perfect and that he has a lot to prove.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho has several centre-back options. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Stepping into a club with sky-high standards like Real Madrid, the player will have to be on his toes from the very first day to ensure he stays afloat in the pecking order. After all, nothing is a given at Real Madrid.
It is true that Jose Mourinho does not count on Raul Asencio, but Antonio Rudiger is a strong candidate to continue as a starter and Eder Militao will also be one after he returns from injury.
While Dean Huijsen’s stock has fallen in recent times, his quality has never been in doubt and the Spaniard will also be determined to move up Mourinho’s pecking order in the coming weeks.
Konate, in that sense, is far from a guaranteed starter and must prove his worth and earn his place in the XI through his performances in pre-season.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid and France player
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Aurelien Tchouameni’s World Cup campaign was marred by an injury that saw him miss a few key knockout fixtures.
He did return to action against Spain in the semifinal but the French team was completely outplayed by Luis de la Fuente’s men.
Since then, Tchouameni’s fitness has been a subject of much debate, and it appears the midfielder is still suffering from a knock.
A recent report from Arancha Rodriguez has confirmed that Tchouameni is indeed struggling with minor muscle issues.
Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France
Tchouameni was a part of the France team at the World Cup. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
With the season just around the corner, this should be a point of concern for Real Madrid. But the journalist suggests the midfielder should be ready when the new season kicks off.
The French international is expected to train individually over the next few days before he is prepared for group training.
Overall, Tchouameni should have ample time to get back to full fitness by the time Real Madrid kickstart their campaign.
The Spanish giants are slated to face Espanyol in their league opener on August 22.
Injury woes aside, Tchouameni is one of the players who have been linked with a move away from Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid and France player
Tchouameni will play a critical role for Real Madrid in the new season. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
But it appears that is no longer a concern as the team values his credentials and therefore, he is expected to stay at the club.
The equation could have been different in Real Madrid had succeeded in signing Rodri. But the Manchester City superstar has opted to join Barcelona instead.
That clears the way for Tchouameni to become a key operator for Los Blancos next season. He will be the main bridge between defence and the attack.
However, the French has faced criticism for his rather slow nature of play as he takes too much time circulating possession from defence to attack. That is something he needs to work on, especially if Real Madrid are to start the season without a proper holding midfielder like Rodri.