Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid player
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Brahim Diaz’s complete absence from Real Madrid’s opening-day win over Espanyol raised plenty of questions, especially after the midfielder had been among the more heavily used players during pre-season.
Jose Mourinho chose Jude Bellingham in his starting XI and kept Brahim on the bench.
Even when changes were made after the break, the Moroccan attacker did not get his chance, with Yan Diomande handed his debut instead.
For some, the decision raised doubts over Brahim’s role in Mourinho’s plans for the 2026/27 season, but the player has taken a very different view of the situation.
According to Defensa Central, Brahim is not angry with Mourinho and has accepted the coach’s decision.
Rather, he remains convinced that he will have an important part to play over the course of the campaign.
Brahim Diaz’s place is not under threat
Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid player
Brahim Diaz is not angry or frustrated for not playing against Espanyol. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The Espanyol match was a surprising one for Brahim. His involvement during pre-season had suggested that he would be in the mix for the opening game, yet he was unable to get onto the pitch.
Still, there is no sense of conflict between the player and his manager.
Brahim understands the level of competition within the Real Madrid squad and accepts that Mourinho had other options available to him for the first La Liga match.
He also feels valued within the dressing room and knows that one match without minutes does not define his season.
Sources close to the player have made it clear that Brahim is unhappy about missing out, as no footballer enjoys sitting on the bench, but he is not upset with Mourinho or preparing to create an issue over his role.
Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid player
Brahim Diaz understands his situation at Real Madrid. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Instead, he has made it clear to the staff at Valdebebas that he is happy with the manager and ready to fight for his opportunities.
Mourinho has told Brahim to be ready for his chance
The key reason behind Brahim’s calm reaction is the confidence Mourinho has shown in him.
The Real Madrid coach has spoken with his players about their initial roles, while explaining that the situation can change depending on performances during the season.
Brahim begins the campaign as a secondary option, but that does not mean he will spend the year on the sidelines.
In fact, Mourinho has already told him to be prepared, with the midfielder potentially in contention to start against Real Sociedad on Wednesday.
Protect him publicly, calm him privately – Real Madrid and Mourinho have a plan in place to protect superstar forward
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Real Madrid have decided how they want to deal with the growing attention around Vinicius Jr., and the plan has two clear sides.
Publicly, the club and Jose Mourinho are prepared to defend the Brazilian whenever they believe he is being unfairly targeted by opponents, supporters or match officials.
Privately, though, Vinicius is being asked to take control of his own reactions and avoid giving anyone the opportunity to drag him away from his football.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the approach is already in place.
The club does not want to change Vinicius as a player or ask him to ignore everything happening around him.
Instead, Real Madrid want their star forward to focus on the game and stop outside incidents from becoming part of his performance.
Real Madrid prepared to stand behind Vinicius
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Real Madrid will do everything to protect Vinicius. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The match against Espanyol offered a clear example of how strongly Real Madrid are willing to support Vinicius.
Mourinho did not hold back when discussing the treatment received by the Brazilian, arguing that Vinicius faces what he described as harassment and bullying from both rival fans and players.
Real Madrid also backed their manager’s position through the club’s official media channels.
Real Madrid TV released videos focusing on the challenges and treatment Vinicius received during the match, while also questioning the decisions made by the referee.
The club’s channel even compared the protection Vinicius received with the treatment of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, arguing that similar incidents involving the two players were judged differently.
Mourinho’s private message to Vinicius
Away from the cameras and public statements, however, the message to Vinicius is more straightforward.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Mourinho has held talks with Vinicius. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Both Mourinho and Real Madrid want him to control himself during difficult moments and avoid being drawn into confrontations with rival players or supporters.
In fact, Mourinho has already explained the plan to the player directly.
Simply put, Real Madrid do not want Vinicius spending energy on arguments, reactions or incidents that take his attention away from the match.
Rather, the instruction is to remain focused on his football.
Importantly, that does not mean the club expect Vinicius to accept unfair treatment in silence.
Rather, he is being encouraged to allow the club and his teammates to deal with the noise while he concentrates on making an impact on the pitch.