Jose Mourinho isn’t waiting for pre-season to kick off his work at Real Madrid; the Portuguese manager is already closely examining his players during the World Cup.
According to SPORT, Mourinho has been analyzing full matches featuring his Real Madrid players to assess their physical and mental states, decision-making on the pitch, and any insights that could benefit the club later.
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This proactive approach is exactly what Los Blancos anticipated when they welcomed him back. Mourinho views the World Cup not as a standalone event, but as an opportunity to gain an early advantage.
Since his return became official, he has also been in touch with players and is engaged in the transfer market as the squad undergoes changes.
Importance of World Cup Performance
Mourinho is keeping a close watch on Real Madrid stars participating in the World Cup. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Several players from Real Madrid are still in the tournament, including Thibaut Courtois, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Bernardo Silva, Brahim Diaz, and Vinicius Junior.
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However, other players like Denzel Dumfries, Fede Valverde, and Arda Guler have already exited the tournament.
Mourinho had humorously remarked in an interview with Beast Mode On: “You want the truth? I want the Real Madrid players to lose and go on vacation. Because I want the lads back for pre-season.”
This classic Mourinho response highlights his perspective; while early exits can be mentally taxing for players, they also allow for an early holiday and a return to pre-season sooner. Mourinho will certainly need that as he aims to build his team from the ground up.
Emerging Identity of Mourinho’s Real Madrid
The World Cup is also assisting Mourinho in defining player roles.
Reports indicate he is considering a formation of 4-2-3-1, featuring Courtois in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right, Cucurella on the left, and a center-back pairing of Konate and Antonio Rudiger.
Mourinho is already hard at work. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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In midfield, the dynamic between Valverde and Tchouameni poses a significant question, especially considering the tensions they faced last season. Guler is also anticipated to play a crucial role in Mourinho’s plans.
In attack, Bernardo Silva and Vinicius can provide creativity and danger on the flanks, with Bellingham positioned as the attacking midfielder behind the striker, and Mbappe leading the offensive front.
For Real Madrid fans, this is an encouraging sign. Mourinho is not wasting any time ensuring everything is in place ahead of the first match of the 2026-27 La Liga season.
Only time will reveal how the pre-season unfolds with the new manager, which players will play pivotal roles, and how Mourinho’s vision for Los Blancos develops.