Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho and Sami Khedira are using the international break to study the problems that have emerged during Real Madrid’s opening weeks, with the defensive contribution of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. emerging as one area requiring attention.
According to Defensa Central, the coaching staff believes there has been progress since Mourinho took charge, particularly in the team’s willingness to defend as a unit.
The derby defeat, however, has more or less confirmed that more work is required.
As per the outlet, the primary issue is asking two of Real Madrid’s biggest attacking stars to defend deeper, but there is more to the story.
As such, Mourinho wants them to improve their pressing without sacrificing the qualities that make them so dangerous going forward.
Mourinho wants more from Mbappe and Vinicius
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid
Mourinho wants Mbappe and Vinicius to press better. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Mbappe and Vinicius are already making greater efforts to win the ball back, with both players pressing more regularly than they did previously.
The coaching staff believes that improvement is still insufficient, though.
Their individual defensive numbers are being closely analysed, with Mourinho and Khedira looking for a bigger contribution without disrupting their attacking output.
The challenge right now is finding the right balance, as the two forwards need to know when to press high, when to recover their positions and when to stay ready for the transition after possession is won.
If done correctly, that would give Real Madrid’s midfield and defence bigger protection while allowing the forwards to remain in positions where they can hurt opponents.
Diomande and Bellingham provide the example
Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid players
Mbappe and Vinicius will have more work once they return from international duty. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Mourinho and Khedira have a clear reference point within their own squad.
As such, Yan Diomande and Jude Bellingham are being viewed as examples of how attacking players can contribute to the defensive structure without losing their influence in possession.
Diomande, in particular, has impressed with his willingness to run and disrupt opposition build-up. Although the Ivorian is naturally an attacking player, his pressing has become an important part of his overall contribution.
The expectation is not that Mbappe and Vinicius should maintain maximum intensity for 90 minutes.
Rather, Mourinho wants them to recognise the moments when the team needs an extra defensive effort and respond accordingly.
Dean Huijsen talks derby defeat, red card incident, VAR, Mourinho, Barcelona, Ballon d’Or, Ceuta controversy
Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Dean Huijsen has given a revealing account of Real Madrid’s turbulent Madrid derby, admitting responsibility for his sending-off while questioning the lack of VAR intervention in other controversial incidents.
Speaking to OK Diario, the centre-back also discussed Jose Mourinho’s demands, Barcelona’s six-point advantage in La Liga, title race and the controversy surrounding the support shirts for Ceuta.
Huijsen accepts responsibility but questions VAR
Huijsen described the aftermath of the derby as difficult but insisted Real Madrid must learn from the defeat.
Reflecting on the incident that resulted in his red card and a penalty, he acknowledged that the decision was consistent with the wording of the rules while arguing that referees should have more discretion.
“It’s been a right nightmare, obviously. But that’s football for you. You’ve got to learn from it and move on.”
On the sending-off itself, Huijsen explained his interpretation of the incident involving Giuliano Simeone.
“I think the rule says that if you grab someone, it’s a red card. By the book, it has to be a red card, although for me it should be a bit more open to interpretation.
“Obviously, if you grab him by the neck and throw him with all your might, that’s different.
“There’s a grab, but Giuliano’s also clever for letting himself fall and winning the penalty. I think the rule should leave a bit more room for the referee’s interpretation.”
Asked whether he was given an explanation, Huijsen admitted he could not remember.
“To be honest, I can’t remember. I think I asked why it was a red card, but I don’t know if they told me anything or not.”
The defender then accepted that his dismissal changed the match, stating, “Obviously it’s my responsibility, and we could have won the match.”
Huijsen was less understanding of the decision not to intervene over the challenge on Federico Valverde.
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid player
Dean Huijsen looks back on his red card vs Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
“I don’t understand it, to be honest. I don’t know why it didn’t come into play. It might have been a mistake by the referee, human error, but what’s the point of VAR then?”
He also questioned whether players are effectively rewarded for exaggerating incidents.
“It’s a shame because, ultimately, you have VAR precisely to avoid the theatrics – players rolling around on the ground.
“As Fede didn’t stay down acting for five minutes, he wasn’t shown a red card. But VAR should have known that anyway.”
Huijsen refuses to give up on La Liga
Despite Real Madrid falling six points behind Barcelona, Huijsen does not believe the title race is over.
“No. I think it’s down to us. We’ll see how things go.”
He pointed to last season as evidence that the situation can change quickly.
“That they should look at last year. We were seven points clear after El Clásico, and look how the league ended.
“There’s still everything to play for. We’ve got things to improve on – we know that too – and we’ve got to pull together as a team and see this through.”
Even with a visit to Camp Nou still to come, his message remained the same.
“We have to go there to win, obviously, but in any case, football changes very quickly. There are 31 matches left. There’s still a long way to go.”
Huijsen also acknowledged Barcelona’s current strength.
“Yes, I think so. I don’t watch many of their matches, but it certainly seems that way.”
Mourinho demands more from Huijsen
Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid players
Dean Huijsen has addressed the Ceuta controversy. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website)
The centre-back believes Mourinho’s high demands are helping him develop physically and tactically.
“I think he knows what I’m capable of and demands a lot from me. This summer I’ve trained hard physically to be in good shape, and so far I feel good.
“I’ve said it in other interviews: they really push me hard and that’s good for me.”
Huijsen was also asked about the support shirts for Ceuta worn around Real Madrid’s match against Elche.
He framed his own involvement as an expression of support rather than a political statement.
“I think there was a bit of confusion. We arrived there and didn’t know we were going to wear the shirt. I’m Spanish and I know what it means.
“For me, it’s not a political issue, but a message of support for the people of Ceuta who are suffering. But perhaps someone who isn’t from here doesn’t fully understand the situation and might see it as a political issue.”
Finally, Huijsen refused to choose a Ballon d’Or winner despite having candidates among both Real Madrid and Spain.
“I’m not going to get involved.”
However, when asked specifically about Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Spain’s world champions, he maintained the same position.
“Any of my teammates deserve it. Whether they’re from the national team or Real Madrid. There are many nominees,” he concluded.