Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Carlos Espi may have only recently arrived at Real Madrid, but the young striker has already made a telling impact at the club, and it appears Jose Mourinho has found a special way of describing his new protege.
After Espi emerged as one of Real Madrid’s heroes in the match against Espanyol, Mourinho used his post-match press conference to explain the tactical thinking behind the youngster’s introduction.
In doing so, the Real Madrid manager revealed the nickname he has already given the 1.94-metre forward: “El gigante” (the giant).
It is a nickname that perfectly sums up Espi’s physical profile and the role Mourinho believes he can play for Real Madrid.
The former Levante striker offers a very different option in attack, and his appearance against Espanyol showed exactly why the Portuguese coach sees value in having him available.
Why Espi was introduced against Espanyol
Carlos Espi, Real Madrid player
Carlos Espi scored the winning goal vs Espanyol. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Speaking about the decision to bring Espi into the game, Mourinho pointed to the difficulties Kylian Mbappé was facing as Real Madrid searched for a breakthrough.
Mbappe had begun dropping deeper in an attempt to collect possession and create individual situations, looking to take on defenders and unlock the opposition himself.
Mourinho felt a more physical presence could change the dynamic and help stretch the Espanyol defence. Hence, Espi was brought on to provide precisely that.
“Kylian (Mbappe), already at his wits’ end, was trying to drop back, get the ball and create a one-on-one situation, trying to beat one or two players.
“I thought Carlos could be important there to pin the opponent in place. With Trent on the pitch, the quality of crosses improves massively too, and having ‘the giant’ there could also be a solution,” said the manager.
Carlos Espi, Real Madrid player
Mourinho has a nickname for Carlos Espi. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Mourinho summed up that idea with his newly revealed nickname, referring to Espi simply as “the giant.”
Espi shares a close bond with Mourinho
The relationship between Mourinho and Espi has developed since the striker arrived at Real Madrid.
The pair even live in the same residence complex in Valdebebas, creating an unusually close connection between the manager and his young forward despite the fact that they have known each other for only a relatively short period.
That proximity has seemingly helped Mourinho understand the player’s personality and qualities quickly.
Espi has also been able to learn closely from one of football’s most experienced managers as he begins the next stage of his career.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid’s new signing finally set for first start in Real Sociedad clash – report
Marc Cururella, Real Madrid player
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Real Madrid are expected to give Marc Cucurella his first start at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, with the summer signing in line to be the only alteration to Jose Mourinho’s starting XI against Real Sociedad.
According to AS, Mourinho is not planning a major overhaul for Real Madrid’s first home match of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
Instead, the Portuguese coach is expected to keep faith with a side close to his strongest available lineup, with Cucurella’s introduction at left-back standing out as the key change.
The match could therefore offer the Bernabeu faithful their first proper look at one of the club’s notable summer arrivals from the opening whistle.
Cucurella set for Real Madrid debut
Cucurella has already had his first taste of action in a Real Madrid shirt, coming off the bench against Espanyol, but Wednesday’s clash against Real Sociedad is expected to mark his first start.
Marc Cururella, Real Madrid player
Cucurella is set to start against Real Sociedad. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The Spaniard was signed before the World Cup and now looks ready to take a more prominent role in Mourinho’s plans.
AS reports that the left-back is expected to be introduced into an otherwise largely unchanged team.
With another La Liga fixture against Malaga coming up next Sunday, Mourinho may opt to make further adjustments later in the week.
For the visit of Real Sociedad, though, the priority appears to be continuity rather than rotation.
Santiago Bernabeu to honour World Cup champions
Cucurella’s first start will come on a special occasion for the player following his success with the Spanish national team at the World Cup.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho will not make many changes to his starting XI vs Sociedad. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
As reported before, Real Madrid are planning to pay tribute to the left-back at the Santiago Bernabeu, recognising his role in Spain’s triumph.
Cucurella was an important figure throughout the tournament and started every match as the national team lifted the trophy.
The occasion will also have significance for Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who will return to Madrid as a World Cup champion and is also expected to receive recognition.
For Cucurella, though, the evening could bring a different kind of milestone.
The defender will have the opportunity to combine a celebration of his international success with his first start for one of the biggest clubs in world football.