Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Of all the aspects of Real Madrid’s performances in recent years, it is the physical preparation and fitness department that they have clearly finished behind most opponents.
While rigorous training and fitness schedules have usually been the norm at the Spanish capital, matters took a turn for the worse in recent years – particularly over the past two seasons.
Weak managers, dressing room egos and administrative instability all contributed to the team’s decline in physical preparation, but Jose Mourinho has made it his goal to turn that situation around swiftly.
Back to ruthless sessions
As relayed by Guillermo Rai of The Athletic (h/t RM4Arab) in a recent report, sources close to the technical staff relay that the first weeks of Mourinho’s second stint at Real Madrid have been difficult to this point. There has been a lot of emphasis towards double training sessions.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho is restoring normalcy. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The change from a lackadaisical, low-intensity session to two high-intensity sessions in a day has made it difficult for players to adjust and is demanding a lot of them physically.
In fact, the Spanish outlet also confirms that members of the technical staff explain that this very change is why players have looked slightly fatigued in pre-season games.
Mourinho has full control
It is not only the training department at Real Madrid, but in fact the entire project that has been confidently handed over to Mourinho’s hands at this point.
Every new signing arrives only after the Portuguese manager has given his green light, and he has the final say in any transfer decision. Similarly, every departure must be sanctioned by him.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Florentino Perez trusts Mourinho completely. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
He has also been handed full authority of planning training sessions, recovery sessions, setting rules and complete tactical freedom with respect to the on-field performance.
The entire Real Madrid project, thus, is under Mourinho’s control at this point in time and fitness will remain an area of focus throughout the season.
One can hope to see fewer injuries in the squad and more energy on the field as a result of the same, although it will take some time before tangible results can be appreciated. Only time will tell if his approach improves the physical output or demands too much off his players
Mourinho has not requested Real Madrid to sign 27-year-old Arsenal star – report
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Martin Zubimendi may have recently returned to the Real Madrid transfer conversation, but Jose Mourinho has not asked the club to sign the Arsenal midfielder.
According to Mario Penalver, sources close to Mourinho have denied claims that the Real Madrid manager is pushing for a move for Zubimendi.
The update comes after reports from England suggested that the Spain international was back on Real Madrid’s radar and that Mourinho was a strong supporter of a potential transfer.
However, Penalver’s information directly contradicts that version of events.
Zubimendi linked amid Arsenal uncertainty
Zubimendi has found himself at the centre of transfer speculation following Arsenal’s decision to sign Bruno Guimaraes.
Martin Zubimendi #18 of Spain
Zubimendi is reportedly back on Real Madrid’s shortlist. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
The arrival of another high-profile midfielder has created some uncertainty around Zubimendi’s role in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
After joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer, the Spaniard expected to be an important part of the project, but the changing midfield picture has raised questions about his position.
Reports have suggested that discussions have taken place as Zubimendi’s camp assesses the situation and considers the options available.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are not believed to be actively looking to sell the midfielder. However, the club could consider an appropriate proposal rather than treating him as completely untouchable.
That situation naturally brought Real Madrid back into the conversation, particularly after recent reports suggested Los Blancos could still sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Previous Mourinho claim now directly challenged
Mourinho has not requested for the signing of Martin Zubimendi. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Earlier reports had claimed that Mourinho was keen on Zubimendi and viewed the 27-year-old as a suitable addition to his midfield.
That claim has now been challenged, as people close to Mourinho insist that the Portuguese coach has not requested the signing of Zubimendi.
For what it is worth, though, this does not necessarily rule out Real Madrid’s interest in signing a new midfielder.
There is an important distinction between the club monitoring a player and Mourinho personally asking for his signing.
At present, though, there appears to be no evidence that the Real Madrid manager is pushing for Zubimendi.