Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Real Madrid are heading into the most demanding period of the season so far.
The Merengues are scheduled to play Atletico Madrid in the derby at the Metropolitano later this weekend, in what will be the team’s biggest test so far under Jose Mourinho.
Matches against direct rivals can shape the momentum of an entire campaign. They offer more than three points, providing an early indication of whether the work carried out so far is beginning to bear fruit or whether questions need to be asked.
Mourinho wants Madrid to keep control
Now, according to AS, Mourinho wants to eliminate any sort of ‘complacency’ and lack of concentration from his squad that has come forth during some games this season.
One of Mourinho’s biggest successes has been creating a united dressing room. Everyone is working towards the same objective, addressing one of the major shortcomings from last season.
From that unity, the Portuguese coach now wants to tackle the aspect of ‘complacency’.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Mourinho wants his team to rectify their lack of focus in some stages of the match. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
It is an issue that nearly cost Real Madrid points against Inter Milan, Elche and, to a lesser extent, Rayo Vallecano.
The need to maintain control of matches that appear to be settled will be a major theme at Valdebebas as preparations continue for Sunday’s derby.
Mourinho was clearly unhappy with the second half against Elche at the Martínez Valero, although he was also pleased with the players’ response when the hosts threatened to get back into the game.
Internally, however, there is recognition that there are aspects of the team’s performance that need to be addressed.
Mourinho explained the problem after the dramatic victory in Elche, saying: “The problem is obvious. Matches that seem finished are not finished. We have three, four or five chances to kill the game, and we don’t.
“Then it seems we go from feeling that everything is easy to not controlling the match. We enter a dynamic of, ‘OK, we haven’t scored, but it’s finished’. I don’t know if it’s the right word, but it’s a little bit of ‘complacency’.”
The message was initially delivered publicly, but Mourinho also intends to address it within the squad.
A squad fully committed to Mourinho
Mourinho has quickly changed the negative momentum that had followed Real Madrid through the previous two seasons and has built a much more united group.
His messages appear to be reaching the players both collectively and individually. The public praise coming from members of the squad, including some of the senior figures, has provided evidence of the relationship Mourinho has established with his players.
Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid players
The squad is fully committed to Mourinho. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website)
There have also been clear signs of his influence on the pitch. Yan Diomande has continued to accept the tactical adjustments Mourinho has been making to his game without complaint.
Jude Bellingham is producing some of his best football, while Vinicius Jr. is contributing more than ever defensively.
Arda Güler has reached another level, Carlos Espí has taken advantage of his opportunities and Dean Huijsen has regained his importance within the team.
Mourinho has earned the credibility of his squad, and his latest objective is to eliminate the moments of complacency that have threatened to undermine Real Madrid’s strong start.
For the Portuguese coach, maintaining concentration and control when a match appears to be won is now a clear priority.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Real Madrid may have a plethora of attacking riches at their disposal but are still linked with a move for Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel.
The 15-year-old sent shockwaves around the football world by submitting a request to the Red Devils to cancel his contract.
Los Blancos now believe the English youngster has the potential to eventually reach their first team, which explains why the club have been quietly working on a possible move for months.
According to The Athletic, Madrid consider the potential signing a strategic investment that goes well beyond Gabriel’s current academy status.
Because the player is still a minor, the club have approached the situation with considerable caution while ensuring any potential move complies with FIFA regulations.
Madrid already planning Gabriel’s pathway
Madrid want Gabriel to play for Castilla, their reserve side competing in the Spanish third tier, while also featuring for the Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Real Madrid view JJ Gabriel as a future first-team prospect. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
It would be an ambitious pathway for a player born in October 2010. Madrid explored something similar with Abdellah Ouazane in 2025.
An agreement was reached with the Ajax youngster before the proposed transfer ultimately collapsed following a medical.
Gabriel is even younger, but the thinking behind Madrid’s pursuit appears similar: bring an exceptional prospect into the system and gradually expose him to increasingly demanding levels.
Most importantly, however, Gabriel is “clearly seen as a future first-team talent.”
More than another academy signing
There is an enormous difference between recruiting a talented teenager to strengthen the academy and signing someone with a specific long-term expectation that he could eventually play at the Bernabeu.
Gabriel’s recent performances have only strengthened the excitement. His hat-trick for Manchester United against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League last week was followed closely.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Gabriel is widely considered one of the biggest talents of his generation. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Nothing guarantees that an outstanding youth player will eventually become a Real Madrid regular.
Gabriel is still extremely young, and his development would need to be managed patiently. However, Madrid’s plan seems clear.
Castilla would provide experience against senior opposition, while the Youth League could offer valuable European exposure against players closer to his own age.
If Los Blancos manage to pull this signing off, it would be one of the coups of the summer, and it remains to be seen how they go about securing his signature.