Sergio Martinez of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
Real Madrid did not fortify the midfield to their liking in the recent summer transfer window, and instead ended up strengthening the defence and the attack.
Bernardo Silva, eventually, remained the only standout midfield signing but there was a second, lesser hyped signing that the club made in the form of Sergio Martinez.
Los Blancos registered the player with the Castilla side and Jose Mourinho immediately saw the player’s quality.
He immediately called him up to train with the first-team and a debut even appeared to be on the line when matters suddenly cooled down.
Mourinho’s vital realisation
As reported by Defensa Central now, the decision to slow down Martinez’s development and jump to prominence was none other than Jose Mourinho’s.
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Mourinho has faith in the new midfielder. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Despite having early confidence in the player, the manager realised that too much was changing around the player too fast, right from his relatively recent arrival to first-division football to his recent move to Spain.
The expectations around the player, moreover, were increasing to an all-time high after his immediate incorporation into first-team training, and the manager realised it may be a little too much, too soon for Martinez.
What is the player’s route back?
The Spanish outlet further explain that Martinez is currently with the Castilla side, garnering minutes under his belt and enjoying consistency away from the limelight.
Sergio Martinez of Real Racing Club
Martinez must shine with the Castilla side. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
His objective is simple – to regain consistency, play at a high level and force his way back into Mourinho’s plans through hard-earned merit. After all, the manager continues to trust him but is awaiting a sign that he is ready for a promotion.
The player’s behaviour, attitude, performances and competitive spirit will all be crucial in earning his next first-team opportunity which only appears to be a matter of time. Until then, the Castilla will remain his playground to shine.
He is, needless to say, being closely monitored by the entire coaching staff who have serious hope in him to come good as the missing piece in the team’s midfield.
Mourinho’s decision to take a step back and prioritise the player’s gradual adaptation, if anything, comes as a very mature decision which reflects his concern for his dressing room.
Real Madrid coaching staff convinced returning defender can become key starter again – report
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Picture credit: X/@realmadrid
According to a report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and his assistant Sami Khedira are convinced that Eder Militao can return to a starting role if he completes his recovery without further setbacks.
The Brazilian has resumed training at Valdebebas after being given a week away from the squad.
As such, his return comes around five months after undergoing surgery following a hamstring rupture suffered in April.
As a result of these developments, Mourinho’s coaching staff see Militao’s recovery as one of the most significant developments Real Madrid could have heading into October.
Militao’s return could change Mourinho’s defence
Militao has been working alongside players who remained in Madrid during the international break, as well as teammates returning from minor fitness problems such as Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate.
Eder Militao, Real Madrid player
Eder Militao resumed training alongside his Real Madrid teammates. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website)
His presence has reportedly lifted the mood around the training ground, particularly because his physical condition appears to be progressing better than expected.
Furthermore, footage of the centre-back jogging at Valdebebas has offered another encouraging indication that his comeback is moving closer.
For what it is worth, Real Madrid have several reasons to welcome his return because Militao’s pace allows the team to defend with a higher line, while his strength in aerial challenges and one-on-one situations gives Mourinho another defensive option.
Real Madrid could have Militao for the Clasico
Real Madrid face Barcelona at Camp Nou on October 25 in the first Clasico of the season, which remains a major target for the Brazilian if his rehabilitation continues without complications.
Defensa Central describes his return as potentially the club’s biggest piece of positive news in October, particularly with Real Madrid needing to close a six-point gap to Barcelona.
Eder Militao, Real Madrid player.
Militao’s return will be a big boost for Real Madrid. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website)
Indeed, there is still plenty of work to complete before Militao can be considered ready for competitive action, but his progress gives Mourinho an additional option at a position where the squad has faced several complications.
Militao faces competition from Konate and Huijsen
For now, Konate and Dean Huijsen have emerged as Mourinho’s preferred centre-back pairing, while Antonio Rudiger has struggled for continuity following his knee surgeries.
Raul Asensio has also been unable to make his debut because of physical problems, leaving Militao’s eventual return potentially important for the manager’s rotation plans.
The Brazilian will not necessarily walk straight back into the XI, but his qualities give Mourinho something different from his current options.