Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images
It has been around a month since Jose Mourinho formally took charge of Real Madrid. Since then, the Portuguese coach has already played a crucial role in dictating the club’s transfer policy.
Much of the work revolving around the six new signings was done by Mourinho, who now has a full-strength team to train with heading into the new season.
In the lead up to the season opener, Mourinho has some initial observations about the team and how they are prepared for the campaign ahead.
Mourinho’s first impressions of Real Madrid
According to Ben Fernandes Santos, Mourinho is increasingly satisfied with his squad, though he is aware there is still plenty of work to be done.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho is ready for the season ahead. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
The Portuguese has been encouraged by the improvement his players have shown at a physical level throughout pre-season.
That said, he recognises the team are not yet where he wants them to be, particularly with several stars only recently returning from their extended World Cup breaks.
Mourinho views the coming week as key to consolidating the team’s growth. With the LaLiga opener against Espanyol fast approaching, the coach is keen to use the final stretch of pre-season to fine-tune his side and ensure they are ready to hit the ground running.
Instilling a new DNA
Beyond the physical side, Mourinho’s biggest objective is to instill a new identity in his squad after two trophyless campaigns.
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho wants to build a proper identiy at Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The DNA the Portuguese wants to establish has already been visible in glimpses during pre-season.
Chief among his demands is intensity, coupled with a genuine commitment to the badge, something Mourinho has long summed up with his mantra of working for Real Madrid.
He also wants to cultivate a combative spirit, forging a group that functions as a real, united team rather than a collection of individuals.
Resilience and sacrifice complete the picture, qualities Mourinho believes are essential if Real Madrid are to reassert their dominance both domestically and in Europe.
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.
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.