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Real Madrid News Real Sociedad boss impressed by Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid: ‘You can clearly see a different structure’ Real Sociedad are set to visit the Spanish capital tomorrow to take on Real Madrid in what will be Jose Mourinho’s second La Liga game this season. Los Blancos secured a late 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their opening encounter and will hope to keep the momentum against the Basque club. In the pre-match press conference, Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo praised the early impact of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. Speaking ahead of the Basque club’s visit, as quoted by AS, Matarazzo was asked for his assessment of the “new Real Madrid”. Matarazzo sees a more organised Madrid The Sociedad manager made it clear that he already sees a very different team with a distinct identity under Jose. “It is very clear that they are a top team with several new signings, impressive signings and a new coach,” Matarazzo said. The Sociedad boss then pointed to the structural changes Mourinho has introduced. “With the new coach, you can clearly see a different structure, whether in the pressing, where they are more organised, or in their counter-pressing, where you can see a different intensity compared to recent seasons,” he explained. This is an assessment that would make Mourinho happy, as he has repeatedly reiterated the need for intensity and physical preparation since his return to the club. Clear ideas in attack The praise was not limited to Madrid’s work without the ball. “In attack you can also see clarity in what they want,” Matarazzo added. That is particularly relevant given how much attention has surrounded Mourinho’s attempts to fit Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande into the same attacking structure. The 4-2-3-1 has increasingly looked like the base system, with Madrid trying to create clearer roles around those attacking stars. Diomande may not yet be starting games for Los Blancos, but it will not be long before Jose has to find a way to field all four attacking superstars in the same XI. Sociedad still believe in themselves Matarazzo nevertheless made clear that Sociedad are not travelling to Madrid simply to contain Mourinho’s side. “Of course, it is a challenge for us, but at the same time we believe in our quality, in our strengths, and we approach the game with that conviction,” he concluded. The Basque club have consistently been capable of troubling top teams in Spain in recent seasons, and Matarazzo will want to do the same at the Bernabeu tomorrow. For Real Madrid, the focus has to be on putting in a more convincing performance against Sociedad than they did against Espanyol. If they do that and manage to get the three points, that will represent a step in a positive direction, and it remains to be seen how Jose Mourinho sets his team up for the game. Real Madrid News 19-year-old Argentine starlet reflects on difficult Real Madrid spell: ‘It wasn’t easy’ When Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer, he was widely regarded as one of, if not the biggest, South American talents coming through. Los Blancos fast-tracked him straight into the first team under Xabi Alonso, but the teenager struggled to adapt to life in Madrid. Mastantuono left on loan to Fiorentina in the summer in a bid to get regular game time away from the Santiago Bernabeu. The Argentine winger experienced a turbulent campaign at Madrid, working under three different coaches: Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and, very briefly, Jose Mourinho. A difficult season Speaking to DSports, Mastantuono admitted his year in Madrid had been challenging but believes the experience ultimately helped his development. “We all had a difficult season in Madrid. It wasn’t easy,” Mastantuono said. “These things always help you improve and learn. Fiorentina isn’t about revenge, but an opportunity to show the player I am and help Fiorentina become great again,” he explained. Rather than viewing this move to Italy as an opportunity to move away from Madrid, he seems keen on using the experience he gained there to succeed in Italy. Mastantuono embraces the pressure The Argentine also discussed the demands of representing Real Madrid, something he had already experienced in a different form while playing for River Plate. “I had the privilege of playing for River and Real Madrid, incredible teams,” he said. “There is pressure, but it is part of the sport. I like it. For me, it is a game as well as a job, of course,” Mastantuono revealed. That attitude perhaps explains why Mastantuono has gone searching for game time this season rather than staying at Madrid. No bad blood over Real Madrid exit Importantly, Mastantuono dismissed any suggestion that his departure from Real Madrid came following a breakdown in his relationship with the club. Earlier in the summer, it had emerged that the Argentinian wanted to return to River Plate, which Los Blancos did not agree to. However, even if that situation actually transpired, it looks like it was sorted out amicably. “When I spoke with Real Madrid, it was a cordial and friendly conversation,” he explained. “I decided to leave the club. I had many options, and I thank everyone who showed interest,” he concluded. Mastantuono’s departure puts a pause on a short and complicated chapter for a player who arrived with a lot of expectations. The good thing for him is that he is only on loan at Fiorentina and could return to Madrid, where the book is still open. The first chapter may have been difficult, but there is no necessity for the trend to continue through the rest of the chapters. Mastantuono’s priority now is to have a good season at Fiorentina, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future in the Spanish capital in the coming seasons.