Thiago Pitarch of Real Madrid
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho’s selections so far do not suggest that the manager counts on academy talents, and his ideology is understandable given the transfer domination and freedom Real Madrid possess.
His stance, however, is the polar opposite of last season’s coaches Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, both of whom did count on academy names in some capacity.
Of the various players handed a chance last season, Thiago Pitarch stood out as one of the creme-de-la-creme as he even established himself as a starter at one point and brought to the table what the team lacked in midfield – control and creativity.
Mourinho blocked Pitarch’s transfer
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Mourinho personally blocked Pitarch’s departure. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
So far this season, Jose Mourinho has handed the young midfielder no minutes and there has been no sign to suggest that he counts on the player.
As reported by Diario AS in a recent update, however, it was reportedly Mourinho who personally blocked the youngster’s departure in the summer.
Expecting a drought for minutes this season, Pitarch was in talks with Fulham over a move in the summer. In fact, the deal was even in the final stages and quite advanced.
At that point, however, Mourinho entered the scene and blocked Pitarch’s exit, a surprising development. After all, he has barely turned to the youngster so far this campaign.
A chance soon?
Thiago Pitarch of Real Madrid
Pitarch could get a chance soon. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s midfield woes this season are well-documented. In just the opening phase of the campaign, the team’s inability to control games and keep possession has been a stark finding, and Mourinho and Co. are working hard to find a solution.
The combination of Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde was the manager’s preferred double pivot for big games, but they have failed to bring the required technical quality on the ball when fielded together in recent games.
There is, thus, talk of a possible change in midfield dynamics. Bernardo Silva is the likely candidate to see more minutes, but Pitarch could make a case for himself too.
After a minute-starved start to the season, the youngster has restarted playing regularly with the Castilla side and has again earned the spotlight. Needless to say, Mourinho did not block his departure for no reason and may well turn to him in the coming months.
Real Madrid superstar’s recovery routine sparks speculation amid Mourinho’s rules
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe has been the standout performer for Real Madrid this season, but the Frenchman is currently sidelined after picking up a knee injury on international duty.
The striker has been carrying out his recovery away from Madrid, a decision that has raised a few eyebrows.
And it has led to some drawing a link with Jose Mourinho’s recent comments on player conduct.
"Me importa la forma en la que ves tu trabajo"
"Te caes de la bicicleta y a lo mejor te pierdes tres partidos. O peor: te rompes la pierna"
Las palabras de Mourinho que se publicaron hace solo 10 días /// la storie de Mbappé con su bicicleta tras su lesión…
— Madrid Sports (@MadridSports_) October 4, 2026
According to Diario SPORT, while most of Mbappe’s injured teammates have continued their rehabilitation at Valdebebas, the Frenchman has instead followed his own plan outside the Spanish capital.
Mbappe, who left the France camp during the break due to a hyperextension of his left knee, has been documenting his recovery on social media.
On Sunday, he posted stories showing himself running on a treadmill and riding a bike, with the lyrics “Who is very bad? The bad guy” superimposed over the images.
Flouting Mourinho’s rules?
Mourinho is yet to get a hold of the Real Madrid dressing room. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
The posts have been interpreted in different ways depending on the context, with some linking them to recent remarks from Mourinho.
The Portuguese had spoken a few weeks ago about activities he feels players should avoid.
“You can’t go skiing in the mountains, you can’t ride a bike. If he does, even hiding from the club, I don’t care so much about contracts, but about the image you give,” Mourinho had said.
“You fall off the bike and you can miss three games, or even worse, you can break a leg. You may just take a hit, but that can get worse and take you away from your best,” he added.
Given that backdrop, the sight of Mbappe cycling as part of his recovery inevitably invited speculation from sections of the fanbase.
However, it is worth stressing that Mbappe travelled to Paris and Switzerland with the club’s permission.
Mbappe is expected to return to action when Real Madrid resume their campaign. With the team trailing Barcelona by six points, the Frenchman’s performances will be key when the season restarts.