Madrid implements strict new rules under Mourinho’s return
Mourinho’s Return and Squad Philosophy
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has introduced new regulations for the squad as preparations for the upcoming season are underway. His return to the club follows a 13-year absence, during which his previous tenure included a La Liga title win in 2011–12, though it concluded amidst internal disagreements.
Following the brief tenures of Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, club president Florentino Pérez reportedly sought a more authoritative figure to manage the team. Mourinho has since begun to change the squad’s routines, aiming to impose greater control and make daily life less comfortable for the players.
Mourinho has also made his intentions clear regarding squad size, stating a preference for a smaller group of around 20 players. This approach suggests that some prominent names might find themselves with limited playing time, potentially leading to departures. The manager’s philosophy prioritizes a compact, high-performing unit over a large roster.
New Guidelines for Players
Reports indicate that Mourinho has implemented stricter guidelines across three key areas: nutrition, injury recovery, and punctuality. These changes are designed to instill a new level of discipline and unity within the team at Valdebebas.
Regarding nutrition, players now have less autonomy over their meals while with the club. A nutritionist is responsible for setting the menus for both breakfast and afternoon snacks, with food choices tailored for optimal performance. This marks a shift from previous practices where players had more freedom in their dietary decisions.
Punctuality is another area of focus. Instead of financial penalties for lateness to training or team meetings, players who arrive late will now be required to train alone in the gym, separate from the main squad. All team members are expected to be at Valdebebas one hour before the scheduled start of training, with no exceptions.
Furthermore, all injury recovery must now be conducted at Valdebebas. Outside treatments are no longer permitted, ensuring that all recovery work is coordinated and closely supervised by the club’s medical staff. This centralized approach aims to standardize and improve the recovery process for all players.
Squad Depth and Competition
Despite the intention for a smaller squad, Real Madrid currently possesses significant depth across various positions. The goalkeeping position is covered, with Lunin serving as a substitute. In defense, options are plentiful on the flanks, including Cucurella, Carreras, Dumfries, Arnold, and occasionally Mendy.
The central defense also features multiple options. Asensio, for instance, has reportedly become the fifth-choice center-back following the arrival of Konaté, which has fueled speculation about his potential departure. In the holding midfield role, there is fierce competition among five players—Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Camavinga, and Thiago Pitarch—vying for two positions, necessitating careful rotation by Mourinho.
The attacking options are also extensive. On the left, Vinícius leads the line, with Rodrygo expected to return to his natural position upon recovery from injury. The right flank features Diomande and Brahim Díaz, with Endrick and even Valverde available as reserves. Through the middle, Bellingham and Güler may take on responsibilities, while Mbappé is considered the primary threat up front, supported by Espi and potentially Endrick if he opts to compete for a starting spot.
The current squad composition suggests that only a few players will have secondary roles, a situation that aligns with Mourinho’s preference for a lean squad. This approach, however, means that some talented players might find themselves on the bench, awaiting opportunities. The club’s recent history has also highlighted a recurring issue with injuries, often leading to emergency decisions or reliance on the youth academy.
The new rules and squad management strategy are reportedly being well-received internally, with sources indicating a positive atmosphere and a sense of unity fostered by the manager. The demands on the players are now in effect, even before the start of competitive matches.
Source: goal.com
Ngozi Adeyemi 