Jose MOurinho, Real Madrid manager
Jose MOurinho, Real Madrid manager
Jose Mourinho was selected as Real Madrid’s latest manager after the administration were forced to change two managers in a single season to deal with the internal turmoil.
His appointment, in that sense, is not only to improve the team’s sporting results and bring titles but also to improve the culture inside the dressing room.
After all, Florentino Perez saw Mourinho as an experienced, respected option who has been a serial winner throughout his career – thereby placing him as a candidate who can earn respect from the big names in the dressing room.
Mourinho has a clear plan
As far as bringing an identity to the team goes, Mourinho is aware that the task is difficult. The first official game the team played earlier this week, in fact, proved that there is a lot to work on.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius of Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s attack is made for transition football. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
As reported by AS in a recent update, one of the most important facets of the game Mourinho wishes to improve in his side is the transitions.
He wants the team to master transition attacking and knows that it is an objective that will take time. Yet, it remains a key objective for him.
While the team improves, he also understands that there is no scope for an ‘adaptation period’ at Real Madrid and has thus sent out a strong message.
“While the team is being built, we have to win at all costs.”
The Spanish outlet further reveals Mourinho’s plans beyond the sporting sense and what culture shift he intends to bring to Real Madrid.
Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Looking to inspire a culture shift. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho is demanding intensity and competitiveness from his men, for starters. He wants the squad to be hungry for titles, especially given how they have gone trophy-less in back-to-back seasons.
Further, he intends for his team to be convincing and winning games and not just scraping through or imposing themselves. He dreams of an internal culture of discipline, order and solidarity where the team is placed ahead of any individual.
For such changes to be implemented, however, will take months and it is clear that the manager is dreaming of changes that could create internal riots. If there is any manager who can bring such a shift, however, it is him.
Real Madrid midfield target yet to make final decision on his future despite club’s clear interest
Sergio Martinez of Real Racing Club
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Around a week is left in the summer transfer window and, despite having already made six signings, Real Madrid still have a few open files to address.
From a first-team perspective, it is highly unlikely that Madrid would make new signings unless someone leaves.
However, the club could still look to strengthen Castilla with a view to some of those starlets being available for the first team.
One such player Madrid have been linked with is Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez, who has caught the eye for the newly promoted club.
The 19-year-old scored for Racing in their first game back in La Liga, and Madrid are looking to sign him for Castilla but with a role in the first team.
Now, according to The Athletic, the teenager has not yet made a final decision on his future even as Los Blancos continue to push hard.
Madrid have been tracking the Spanish starlet from well before the current transfer window and had already considered moving for him in January.
Sergio Martinez of Real Racing Club
Sergio Martinez is yet to make a decision. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Inside Valdebebas, there is optimism that the club can convince the midfielder to choose Real Madrid despite interest from Champions League clubs in England and Germany.
However, despite suggestions that Los Blancos were close to winning the race for his signature, it does seem like the door is wide open.
If Martinez does agree to join Madrid, the initial plan for him would be to play with Castilla while being involved in the first-team environment.
That would allow the youngster to continue developing and getting regular minutes while the first-team midfield situation is crowded.
However, it would also represent a step down in level for the teenager, who has already established himself in Racing Santander’s first team.
His release clause at Los Verdiblancos stands at around €3 million, making him very attainable for a club of Madrid’s stature.
The bigger challenge is convincing the player that it is sometimes important to pull the kite back to let it soar higher in the near future.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho is still keen on a new midfielder. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The sporting argument could help Madrid.
The team felt the absence of a different midfield profile against Espanyol, and Mourinho would like another option capable of offering something distinct in that area.
Martinez is obviously not being viewed as an immediate solution to every midfield problem, but Madrid see enough potential to believe he can eventually push towards the first team.
However, he would also know at the back of his mind that someone like Thiago Pitarch is already there in the first-team picture and could be ahead of him in the pecking order.
While Madrid remain confident, it must be clear that the deal is not completed. They can continue to push for him but, ultimately, it is the player’s decision.
It remains to be seen whether Sergio Martinez decides to wear Madrid’s white, stay at Racing or move elsewhere to continue his career.