Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho is already shaping his plans for Real Madrid’s upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid, with the Portuguese coach making early tactical preparations.
Los Blancos returned to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano and have emerged victorious in all but one of the games they have played so far this season.
Madrid have Elche up next in La Liga before facing their first major test this season against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
According to Defensa Central, Mourinho currently sees Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella as his preferred back four for the trip to the Metropolitano.
Dumfries moves ahead of Alexander-Arnold
The most significant decision appears to be at right-back, where Dumfries has moved ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in Mourinho’s hierarchy.
The Dutchman offers greater defensive intensity, aerial strength and recovery power, qualities Mourinho clearly values in matches where Madrid expect to face sustained pressure.
Denzel Dumfries, Real Madrid player
Dumfries is Mourinho’s preferred option over Alexander-Arnold. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold can offer more with the ball, but for a derby away from home, Mourinho’s thinking appears straightforward: defensive security comes first.
That does not make Dumfries untouchable for the season, but it does suggest Mourinho already has a clear idea of which profile he trusts most in the biggest fixtures.
Konate and Huijsen becoming the preferred pairing
In central defence, Konate and Huijsen are currently the combination that inspires the most confidence.
Konate gives Madrid pace, aggression and physical dominance, while Huijsen offers greater calmness in possession and progressive passing from the back.
Antonio Rudiger remains an important option, but the current trend points towards him operating behind that pair when everyone is fit.
Cucurella, meanwhile, is expected to start on the left despite Alvaro Carreras producing a strong performance against Rayo Vallecano.
Rotations could be on the cards against Elche
Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid player
Cucurella will start ahead of Alvaro Carreras. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Madrid still face Elche before Atletico, and that match could allow Mourinho to manage minutes.
The report suggests one of the centre-backs could be rested if necessary, with Konate among those who may be protected ahead of the derby.
That would make sense. Madrid cannot afford to lose sight of Elche, but the Metropolitano presents a very different physical and tactical challenge.
It is still early days in Mourinho’s reign at Madrid, and his preferred options in each position are slowly emerging.
For now, the Portuguese tactician seems to have arrived at a decision on his preferred back four against Atletico, and it remains to be seen how the plans change in the coming days.
Jude Bellingham and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid for his second stint as manager at the beginning of the summer.
Los Blancos had failed to win silverware in the last couple of seasons, and Florentino Perez decided to turn to a familiar face to galvanise a talented group.
As expected, Madrid have made an excellent start to the new campaign, with the only blip coming in the game against Real Betis, which they lost 1-0.
Mourinho has now made his admiration for Jude Bellingham abundantly clear, describing the English superstar as a truly exceptional player.
Mourinho delivers emphatic Bellingham verdict
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Madrid Zone), Mourinho was emphatic when asked about the England international and offered an answer that left little room for interpretation.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid player
Mourinho believes Bellingham has something special in him. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“Jude Bellingham is very special. Not just a bit special, very special,” Mourinho said.
A reporter then jokingly asked the Real Madrid coach whether Bellingham was as special as Mourinho himself.
“Very special,” Mourinho responded with a laugh.
Mourinho’s words say plenty about how highly he rates one of the central figures of his project at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bellingham has major role under Mourinho
Bellingham has already shown why Mourinho is so enthusiastic about working with him.
The Englishman possesses a combination that suits the Portuguese coach particularly well. He can contribute technically between the lines, arrive in scoring positions and provide the physical intensity required when Madrid are without the ball.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Mourinho and everyone in the Real Madrid team visited the F1 paddock at Madring today. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
His versatility also gives Mourinho options, although the No. 10 position appears particularly suited to extracting his attacking qualities.
The challenge for Madrid is ensuring Bellingham does not become overloaded with responsibilities.
He is capable of influencing almost every phase of a match, but his biggest value could come when the structure around him allows him to attack the penalty area rather than constantly dropping deeper to solve problems.
Madrid building around Bellingham and Mbappe
Mourinho made it very clear that both Bellingham and Mbappe will be the pillars around whom Madrid’s new project is built.
The Englishman has repaid Mourinho’s faith by starting the season exactly as he played at the World Cup.
The relationship that Jose and Bellingham share seems beautiful, and the hope is that he can continue his good form for the foreseeable future.