President Andre Villas-Boas of FC Porto
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Andre Villas-Boas has thrown his support behind Jose Mourinho, insisting the Real Madrid manager remains one of the best coaches in world football despite the difficult challenge facing him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Porto manager, now the club’s president, believes Mourinho is well suited to the task of rebuilding Real Madrid after being appointed by Florentino Perez last summer.
Real Madrid are still searching for their first major trophy after two disappointing campaigns, while Barcelona have made an imposing start to the season.
Villas-Boas backs Mourinho at Real Madrid
Mourinho’s appointment was intended to bring a change in fortunes after Real Madrid endured two seasons without a major title.
His task, however, has become more complicated with Barcelona establishing themselves as a formidable force at the start of the campaign.
Villas-Boas nevertheless believes his compatriot has the experience and personality required for the challenge.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Andre Villas-Boas has backed Jose Mourinho. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“Jose Mourinho is still one of the best in the world; I’ve always known that. And now he’s managing the best club in the world.
“It’s a shame that Barcelona are in this state. He’s taking over at a great time, just as he did when he left Inter.
“But these are the challenges Mourinho enjoys the most,” he said, according to AS.
Barcelona present Mourinho’s biggest challenge
Real Madrid’s task is made harder by Barcelona’s current form. Flick’s side have emerged as the early pace-setters, leaving Mourinho with little margin for error as he attempts to close the gap.
The Clasico on October 25, therefore, will inevitably become one of the defining fixtures of the season, but Real Madrid first need to establish greater consistency before they can challenge Barcelona across the campaign.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Barcelona’s current form has put pressure on Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Mourinho was brought in precisely because of his experience of managing at the highest level, and Villas-Boas believes that experience can now be decisive.
Sneijder also backs Real Madrid boss
Villas-Boas is not the only former Mourinho associate to offer a strong assessment of his ability to change Madrid’s fortunes.
Wesley Sneijder, who worked with Mourinho at Inter and before playing for Real Madrid, has also backed the Portuguese coach to solve the problems at the Bernabéu.
“Mourinho is the only manager capable of turning Real Madrid’s fortunes around,” he had said.
Indeed, Mourinho is one of the finest coaches available to manage the current Real Madrid dressing room, but Barcelona’s current form has put pressure on the Portuguese to deliver instantly.
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Real Madrid are hoping to have Kylian Mbappe, Ibrahima Konate and Federico Valverde available for the La Liga meeting with Villarreal, with the fitness of all three players being closely monitored, according to Melchor Ruiz.
The trio have each faced different injury concerns during the past few weeks, leaving Madrid waiting for clarity before Saturday’s fixture.
Their availability could be particularly important given the problems already affecting the squad.
Mbappe expected back at Valdebebas
Mbappe was released early from France duty after suffering pain in his left knee during the national team’s first match against Turkiye.
Tests ruled out a serious injury, allowing the forward to take several days of active rest under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical staff.
After returning to Madrid, Mbappe is expected at Valdebebas to continue his recovery and conditioning work.
Ibrahima Konate, Real Madrid player
Konate was injured while on national team duty. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Despite the scare, his knee problem is not currently expected to rule him out against Villarreal.
Real Madrid will nevertheless assess his condition before deciding how much work he can handle ahead of the game.
Konate provides relief amid defensive problems
Konate’s situation is also being watched closely, although the initial fears surrounding his knee have eased.
The centre-back suffered a collateral ligament problem in his right knee before appearing for France.
Further assessment ruled out a serious injury, providing significant relief for Madrid at a time when defensive options are already stretched.
Eder Militao remains sidelined, while Raul Asencio is also unavailable, making Konate’s recovery particularly important to Jose Mourinho’s plans.
Valverde facing the biggest recovery race
Federico Valverde of Real Madrid
Valverde’s situation is more serious than the three. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Valverde’s situation could be the most difficult of the three.
The midfielder suffered an ankle injury during the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid after a heavy challenge from Kang-in Lee.
He was initially diagnosed with a severe contusion, but subsequent examinations revealed a grade 3 sprain in his left ankle. Real Madrid initially expected him to need around two to three weeks to recover.
That timeline puts his availability for Villarreal under pressure, although the club remains hopeful that he can return in time.
With the three important players dealing with separate fitness issues, Real Madrid will continue assessing their progress before the Villarreal clash.
None of the trio has yet been confirmed as fit, but the club’s hope is to have all three available for selection.