Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Brahim Diaz returned to Valdebebas at the start of last week to work under new Real Madrid Mourinho.
He came back after an impressive World Cup, where he provided four assists in five matches, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest assist provider and one of Morocco’s standout performers.
As has been the case every summer in recent years, there were once again rumours and question marks over Brahim’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But, unfazed by the speculation, as soon as the World Cup ended, the 27-year-old got to work to ensure he arrived at pre-season in the best possible physical condition.
And it has clearly paid off, with the versatile star making a strong case for a prominent role under Mourinho, reports AS.
Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid
Eager to impress. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
A strong return to action
In the first friendly in which he was available, against Ferencvaros in Hungary, Brahim started on the right wing.
Just four days later, impressed by the player’s physical condition, Mourinho handed him another start at against Deportivo La Coruna. Brahim responded with a superb goal that secured Real Madrid’s tenth Teresa Herrera trophy.
His return has therefore been about more than simply getting minutes. The forward has immediately shown Mourinho that he is ready to compete for an important role.
Versatility an asset in the face of strong competition
As was the case in the previous seasons, the Moroccan international again he faces significant competition for playing time.
The arrivals of Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva, together with the development of players such as Arda Guler and Endrick, who can also operate on the right, mean Brahim will have to fight hard for his opportunities.
Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid
Unfazed by competition. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Last season, he played 42 matches and accumulated 1,666 minutes. He is eager to get more playing time, and he intends to prove that to Mourinho.
A player Mourinho values
The Portuguese coach sees Brahim as a particularly valuable member of his squad. His versatility and willingness to work fit Mourinho’s footballing ideas extremely well.
He can use Brahim on either wing, or as an attacking midfielder. The latter role is one he already occupied during the periods when Jude Bellingham was recovering from his shoulder injury.
That tactical flexibility could be crucial in a squad packed with attacking options.
Brahim, for his part, is not backing down. Despite the new arrivals and increased competition, his approach remains unchanged. His performance against Deportivo was another reminder that he intends to take every opportunity Mourinho gives him.
Kylian Mbappe makes huge Real Madrid promise: ‘We’re going to win titles’
Kylian Mbappe of France
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe has made his ambitions clear ahead of the new season, with the Real Madrid superstar insisting that winning trophies is the only objective as José Mourinho begins his new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Mbappe reflected on his return to Valdebebas, his relationship with Mourinho and his determination to bring success back to the club.
The French forward is once again expected to be one of Real Madrid’s most important players, but his message before the start of the La Liga campaign was focused on a collective objective.
After two years in Spain and a period of major change in his personal and professional life, Mbappe believes the time has come for Real Madrid to take another step forward.
Mbappe backs Mourinho to lead Real Madrid towards success
Mbappe spoke positively about his early conversations with Mourinho and made it clear that the squad is excited to work under a manager with such a successful track record.
“We’ve spoken a lot during the World Cup and over the last few days here. It’s very positive to have a manager like that, who knows how to win, who knows how to guide us towards victory.
“As players, we’re delighted to have a manager who knows where he’s going. I think it’s positive for us.”
The Frenchman also discussed the importance of pre-season as Real Madrid prepare for the demands of a long campaign.
“I try to give it my all because this is the time when we can work the hardest. Later on, when the matches start, it’s more about managing the workload.
“This is the time to go all out, to get a feel for things so we’re ready for the first La Liga.”
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Mbappe is eager to work under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
For Mbappe, the early weeks under the new coaching staff are about building the physical and tactical base required for the season ahead.
The striker returned to Valdebebas pleased to reconnect with his teammates and begin working with Mourinho’s staff.
“Very good. I’m happy to be back, to get a first feel for the team, the new coaching staff, my teammates and the people at Valdebebas.
“It’s always good to come back here to play and prepare for the season.”
Mbappe makes a strong promise
Mbappe did not hesitate when asked about Real Madrid’s objectives for the season, especially after two seasons without a major trophy under three different managers.
“I think we have to win; this year we’re going to win titles. I’m sure we’ll be winning titles again. That’s what we want and it’s going to happen – it’s going to happen because I feel the team is raring to go.
“We’re going to stay focused all year round to bring joy to the Madridistas. I think there’s nothing more important than winning titles with the team and feeling the fans’ joy.”
The French forward also reflected on his journey since arriving at Real Madrid, describing the move as a dream while admitting that the experience of leaving his home country brought significant changes.
Looking back at his first goal for the club, he said,
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
Mbappe is hungry to win a title with Real Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
“It was a very special day. Your first match with a new team is always special, and when that team is Real Madrid, it means something more – something more magical – and it was in a final.
“I had a great time: a goal, a title, a smile – everything was great. It’s been two years of big changes for me because it was the first time I’d left my country, and the experience has been very positive.
“I really like the club, playing in La Liga, living in Spain, here in Madrid – I know the city a bit.
“It’s important for a player to feel at home in the city where he lives and, as I’ve said, I think it’s time to take a step forward and win titles.”
Lastly, Mbappe’s final message summed up his mentality heading into the new season.
The Frenchman knows that individual performances alone are not enough at Real Madrid. Success is measured by trophies, and he believes the squad now has the hunger to deliver them.
“It was a dream to come here and it’s still a dream to be here every day, to have this opportunity.
“I’m someone who knows how to enjoy the present, to enjoy being here, and I know how lucky I am to be here, but now we have to win.
“Wherever you are, but at Real Madrid you have to win titles, win things, and that’s why I’m here and, as I’ve already said, we’re going to win titles this year.”