Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
There is a lot of expectation riding on what Jose Mourinho can do in his second stint as manager at Real Madrid.
The Portuguese tactician has been heavily backed in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid bringing in as many as six players to bolster the squad.
Mourinho has managed to get the troops to rally around him and enjoyed a winning start to La Liga, with a 2-1 win against Espanyol.
However, it looks like Jose is keeping a keen eye on more than just the first team.
According to journalist Alvaro Esteban, Mourinho is paying close attention to Real Madrid’s academy as he continues to assess the options available to him beyond the senior squad.
Mourinho monitoring academy matches
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho is serious about unearthing talents. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Mourinho regularly watches matches involving different Real Madrid youth teams, suggesting the academy could have a genuine role within his plans.
There is even a possibility that Mourinho could attend one of the academy’s matches at Valdebebas in person.
It is an interesting detail because Mourinho has inherited a Madrid squad packed with established internationals and strengthened by several significant signings this summer.
However, that apparently has not stopped him from looking further down the club’s structure for players capable of helping his team.
Opportunities could emerge
Mourinho’s interest does not guarantee that academy players will suddenly receive major first-team minutes. Competition within the senior squad remains extremely strong.
However, being watched closely by the first-team coach is already important for Madrid’s youngsters.
Strong performances could potentially earn players opportunities in training, particularly during periods when injuries or a congested schedule reduce Mourinho’s options.
Players like Alexis Ciria have already made such an impression during pre-season and could be one of the names to keep an eye on.
The Portuguese coach has also never been afraid to reward a player when he believes that player can fulfil a specific tactical role.
La Fabrica’s value
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho sees great value in La Fabrica. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
That could make La Fabrica particularly valuable over a long season.
Madrid do not necessarily need every academy prospect to become an immediate starter. Finding one or two players capable of providing reliable depth would already represent a significant success.
The club have invested heavily in their squad, but the pathway from Valdebebas should remain open. Academy players can provide solutions that are difficult and expensive to find in the transfer market.
It remains to be seen just how much the academy is involved in Mourinho’s plans as he begins his new project at Madrid.
Carlos Espi talks debut, first goal, training, Bernabeu after official presentation: ‘I’ll give everything I have for this club’
Carlos Espi of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
It has been a roller-coaster of a weekend for Carlos Espi at Real Madrid, for both days of the weekend have been special in their own way.
Last night, the new signing scored on debut with the team and ensured that Los Blancos took home all three points against Espanyol.
Under 24 hours later, the striker was officially presented as a new Real Madrid player and faced the traditional photo shoot, jersey reveal and media interaction.
Espi’s official interview
The new Real Madrid striker faced the club’s media after his official presentation as a player of the club and spoke in depth about his transfer and debut.
He was first asked what he felt about wearing the Real Madrid colours and what it meant to him.
“It’s a great honour and pride for me. I’m so happy for my family and for myself, and I’ll give everything I have for this club,” he began.
“It was amazing to see all 15 European Champions League trophies. I’m so happy to be here,” he added, in awe of the club’s legacy.
💬 Carlos Espí: "Han sido días increíbles, pero estoy deseando pisar el Bernabéu". pic.twitter.com/I2IdqwKsNV
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 23, 2026
Espi then opened up on the day of his transfer and how matters accelerated in just a couple of hours.
“Those were unbelievable days. I didn’t sleep much, because I woke up extremely excited to head to my presentation ceremony.”
“It was wonderful to see everyone happy for me and to celebrate this moment with me. I felt immense happiness and pride.”
Moving on, the striker was asked what stood out about Real Madrid to him and what made it a special place to be as a player, to which he said,
“It’s amazing. Here, they take care of every detail. On the football level, Real Madrid is the best in the world.”
“The facilities are fantastic, and everything related to the club is incredible, from the facilities to the journey to Santiago Bernabéu. When I went to the stadium, the experience was truly wonderful. I can say that almost everything has amazed me,” he added.
Carlos Espi and Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid stars
Espi scored Real Madrid’s winner last night. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Espi scored Real Madrid’s winning goal in extra-time on his official debut, and he even relived the night speaking to the media.
“When we got back home, I found a ton of messages, and I was in a state of euphoria and happiness.”
“I think I barely slept at all, especially since I woke up the next day super excited and with a huge urge to come here. In fact, I hardly slept.”
Remembering his goal on the night and how it felt to score such an important goal in his first official game, the youngster said,
“It was a very beautiful moment. We all had a strong desire and great enthusiasm, and I felt indescribable happiness when I saw all the players coming to the corner to celebrate with me after the goal.”
“It was unbelievable to see everyone by my side and happy for me. It’s a great pride that Real Madrid players are happy in this way for me.”
Finally, the new signing was asked to send a message to fans across the globe, to which he said,
“Hello, Madridistas, I’m thrilled to be here. On the occasion of my presentation with Real Madrid, my debut, my goal, and of course, to deliver the win for the team.”
“I hope to see you all on Wednesday against Real Sociedad. A warm hug to you all, and Hala Madrid!”