Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images
Expectations at Real Madrid could hardly be higher heading into Jose Mourinho’s first season back in charge, given the kind of signings they have made.
That, coupled with the fact that the serial winner is back in charge, means a lot is expected of Los Blancos this campaign.
According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, both the coach and the club are convinced the squad are capable of fighting on every front this season.
The message from inside Valdebebas is one of confidence rather than transition.
Despite the significant changes made this summer, Real Madrid believe Mourinho already has the resources required to challenge immediately.
Real Madrid targeting all four major trophies
There is no suggestion that one competition will be prioritised at the expense of another.
Real Madrid believe they can compete for La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and, most importantly, the UEFA Champions League.
Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez of Real Madrid
Gunning for glory. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
That represents a considerable challenge for Mourinho, but the club’s summer investment means expectations naturally come with it.
The Portuguese coach has inherited established stars including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, while Madrid have strengthened the squad significantly around them.
One of the main reasons for the confidence internally is the depth Mourinho now has available.
The assessment within Real Madrid is that every position is covered by at least two players, giving the manager enough alternatives to rotate without dramatically weakening the team.
That depth could prove particularly important across a long season.
Mourinho has already demonstrated during pre-season that he is willing to consider different combinations, especially in defence, midfield and at right-back.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Big challenges ahead. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
There is also considerable competition further forward, where players such as Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz will be fighting for opportunities around Real Madrid’s expected attacking starters.
Real Madrid’s position also increases the pressure on their returning manager.
This is not being presented internally as a rebuilding season in which results can take a secondary role to development.
Mourinho has been backed with a deep squad, and the club believe they have addressed enough weaknesses to challenge Europe’s best.
Winning everything is never a realistic minimum requirement, particularly across four competitions. However, competing seriously for everything is different.
That is the standard Real Madrid have set for themselves.
The last couple of seasons have been trophyless for Los Blancos, and that is almost unheard of in their recent history.
The club will be keen to return to winning ways this season, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho marshals his troops to ensure a winning project.
Arda Guler of Real Madrid
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Real Madrid have a problem of plenty in attack, with Jose Mourinho facing a major selection dilemma on a game-to-game basis.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are the first names written on the team sheet.
Also, the price that Madrid paid for Yan Diomande this summer suggests he is going to be a guaranteed starter for Jose.
Now, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Arda Guler may face one of the toughest selection battles in Real Madrid’s squad.
However, the silver lining for him is that there is no shortage of belief in the Turkish midfielder inside the club.
Both Jose Mourinho and Madrid’s board regard Guler as an important part of the team’s future, even with players ahead of him.
If Mourinho sticks with his preferred 4-2-3-1, Bellingham is expected to occupy the No. 10 role, while Vinicius and Diomande provide the width behind Mbappe.
Arda Guler, Real Madrid player
Mourinho rates Guler very highly. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
That does not leave an obvious starting place for Guler.
Yet Mourinho has already made his admiration clear. The Portuguese coach sees the 21-year-old as much more than a specialist attacking midfielder and has even suggested that, over time, he could evolve into a No. 8 and eventually a deeper No. 6.
That long-term view gives Guler several possible routes into the side.
The backing is not limited to the coach.
Real Madrid’s hierarchy believes Guler can help give the team structure and direction through his touch, vision and ability to connect phases of play.
His relationship with Mbappe is considered another major asset.
Guler has the technical quality to find the French forward early, play between the lines and create the kind of combinations that can make Madrid’s attack more fluid.
Arda Guler, Real Madrid player
Guler is tipped for a big role this season. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
That gives him value even if he is not one of the six or seven names considered automatic starters.
The key point is that Guler is not being viewed as surplus simply because the competition is intense.
Madrid appear to see him as a player who can become increasingly important as Mourinho shapes the midfield over time.
The Portuguese manager may have already started working on the Turkish midfielder to use him in deeper roles in certain games this season.
There is also the possibility of Jose switching to a 4-3-3 and playing Bellingham and Guler as his two No. 8s.
For now, the challenge is keeping everyone happy, especially with Guler likely to want more minutes to justify his talent.
The upcoming season should give a clear picture of Madrid’s plans for the 21-year-old, and it remains to be seen how he develops.