news-engine

Real Madrid News Mourinho faces two early Real Madrid dilemmas as Tchouameni’s role comes into focus Real Madrid have made an encouraging start under Jose Mourinho, but there are already two squad-management questions that could test the Portuguese coach as the season develops. Los Blancos have won three on the bounce to kick-start their La Liga campaign, and their latest 4-0 victory against Malaga offered a lot of promise. The Portuguese tactician has set his team up to play some exciting, counter-attacking football, and the forward line in particular has thrived. Now, according to Alvaro Romero of El Larguero, there are two early concerns emerging for Mourinho’s reign. One concerns the size of Mourinho’s squad, while the other centres on Aurelien Tchouameni and where the midfielder fits following Federico Valverde’s impressive start to the campaign. Mourinho has a bigger squad than planned Romero has hinted that Mourinho was initially intending to work with a smaller squad. “There are two doubts about Mourinho’s Real Madrid,” Romero said. “The first is that he wanted a short squad of around 22 players, but now he has 25 or 26 and he has to manage that number.” Having depth is hardly a problem in itself, particularly for a Madrid side expected to compete for every major trophy. The difficulty is keeping everyone involved happy. Mourinho has already spoken about the frustration players will inevitably experience when they do not start. With multiple high-level options competing for places, managing personalities and minutes could become as important as his tactical decisions. What happens with Tchouameni? Romero spoke about Tchouameni as his second question mark. “The other is Tchouameni’s situation, especially because Valverde has started the season very well, and I don’t know what Tchouameni’s role will be,” he added. Tchouameni has had the start to his campaign disrupted by groin discomfort, while Valverde has been able to establish himself in Mourinho’s midfield. That creates an interesting selection dilemma once the Frenchman is back. Mourinho values Tchouameni’s physical presence and ability to provide balance, so his return should give Madrid another important tactical option rather than automatically create a problem. However, finding minutes for Bernardo Silva, Tchouameni and Valverde is likely to be a challenge. Competition could benefit Madrid Valverde’s form means Mourinho should not have to rush Tchouameni back or immediately restructure a functioning midfield to accommodate him. The real test will come when everyone is fit. Mourinho must find enough meaningful minutes to maintain competition without allowing frustration to damage the unity he has worked to restore. For Tchouameni specifically, the challenge is straightforward: recover completely and then earn his place. If Mourinho handles that competition correctly, what currently looks like one of Madrid’s first doubts could ultimately become one of their biggest strengths. Real Madrid News Luka Modric talks about special bond with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho: ‘Would do anything for him’ Luka Modric has revealed the extraordinary role Jose Mourinho played in bringing him to Real Madrid, with the club icon insisting that the Portuguese manager’s return to the Santiago Bernabeu can restore a fearsome edge to the team. Modric, who left Real Madrid in 2025 and turns 41 next week, spoke at length to AS about Mourinho’s appointment and his own memories of the Portuguese coach. There is clearly still a strong bond between the pair, almost 15 years after Mourinho pushed Madrid to sign the midfielder from Tottenham Hotspur. Speaking about the manager, he believes Real Madrid made the right call by bringing Mourinho back and has already noticed a change in the team. “You can already see from the first few matches that this is a different Real Madrid, a fearsome Real Madrid. “I think Mourinho’s appointment was a very wise decision by the club, the best option for that position considering the team and everything. “He knows the club, he’s a winner, he has an incredible personality, and I have a special affection for him because he was the one who brought me here, which was the most important factor in my arrival. He told the club: “I want him or nobody else.” Mourinho’s demand changed Modric’s career Modric explained that Mourinho’s insistence was particularly important because negotiations with Tottenham were complicated. “That’s why I came to Real Madrid. The way the negotiations unfolded, perhaps if it hadn’t been for that, Real Madrid would have withdrawn from the deal because of all the back and forth. “That’s why I have so much affection and respect for him. My only regret is not having worked with him longer.” The former midfielder also mentioned what makes Mourinho special to him, stating, “Mourinho is special to me because of how he fought for my signing; that’s something you don’t forget. I would do anything for him. “Although we don’t talk much, we sometimes exchange messages, but I always wish him the best. “I think he’s in the right place because he’s at the best club in the world, and he’s one of the best coaches in history.” Modric refuses to make Barcelona the focus Modric was also asked whether Mourinho’s return could put Barcelona under greater pressure, particularly after Barça’s recent domestic success. His response was typically Madrid-minded: the focus should remain on Real Madrid rather than its biggest rival. “Real Madrid should never look at what others are doing, only at itself. “Barcelona might be its biggest rival, but Real Madrid should be focused on its own game and let others worry about Real Madrid, not the other way around.” The former midfielder was less willing to engage in the debate surrounding refereeing and the Negreira case, although he acknowledged that the situation was not normal. “It’s a situation that really isn’t normal. I’m not going to go into it any further because I don’t like it.” Instead, Modric offered his explanation for why Madrid won six Champions Leagues during his career but fewer La Liga titles. He felt the difference came partly from the mentality required by the two competitions, with Champions League mistakes immediately punished while league points could appear recoverable. Modric backs Madrid’s next generation Modric also discussed Real Madrid’s attacking stars, praising Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe while reserving particular affection for Jude Bellingham because of the Englishman’s midfield role. “They’re phenomenal. I’m so glad Vinicius renewed his contract with the club; it wouldn’t have been good if he hadn’t, given everything he contributes. “Kylian is incredible: the ease with which he scores goals, his quickness and speed are spectacular. But the one I feel closest to is Jude, because he’s a midfielder like me.” He also believes Bellingham has the qualities to become a leader at the Bernabéu. “Yes, he can be a leader. The fans at the Bernabéu appreciate that he gives his all on the pitch; he gives it his absolute all. They value not just his talent, but his hard work. “What he did at the World Cup and how he’s started this year is incredible; I hope he carries on like this.” Meanwhile, Modric declined to pick a Ballon d’Or winner, saying the decision belongs to the voters. But when asked about a possible return to Real Madrid after retirement, his answer was much more definitive. “I hope it happens. Madrid is my home and always will be. I’ll always be a Madridista because of everything I experienced there. “They were the best years of my professional and personal life. I hope I can return one day, but we’ll have to see in what capacity,” he concluded.