Nearly two weeks have passed since Real Madrid commenced their pre-season training, and so far, everything appears to be progressing smoothly under the leadership of Jose Mourinho during his second tenure as head coach. Earlier this week, Los Blancos secured a 1-0 victory over Alcorcon in their first friendly match of the season, despite Arda Guler missing a penalty in the first half.
Guler aims to build on an impressive 2025-26 season, and his early exit from the 2026 World Cup with Türkiye has provided him extra time to focus on training. According to the club’s official media outlets (via MD), he expressed that he missed being with the club over the summer and is eager to kick off the 2026-27 campaign in just a few weeks.
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“I missed my home. I’m thrilled to begin working and to consistently present a better version of myself on the pitch. I have learned and grown a lot, but my passion remains unchanged. I want to win everything just like on my first day and bring joy to the Madridistas.”
Guler: Mourinho and his team communicate clearly with us
When asked about his experiences working with Mourinho, Guler highlighted the excitement shared by several players at having the opportunity to be managed by such an iconic figure. The 21-year-old acknowledged that he is relishing the learning experience.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from a legend like Mourinho. He and his team provide clear explanations and are very honest off the pitch. In pre-season, the main focus is on physical training, but it’s also essential to listen and understand Mourinho’s expectations to perform well on the field.”
There’s a strong sense of optimism within Real Madrid that Mourinho can revitalize the team after two challenging seasons, and if anyone has the capability to reignite their spirit, it is undoubtedly the Portuguese manager.