​Jose Mourinho wasted no time sinking into life at Real Madrid, reporting to the club’s training headquarters days before the official start of pre-season. The Portuguese manager posted a photo from Valdebebas wearing the Real Madrid crest, giving supporters an early, full glimpse of him fully immersed in his new role. Even though the squad isn’t due back until July 13, Real Madrid’s new boss has already begun laying the groundwork for the forthcoming campaign, signaling a proactive approach to his leadership at the club.
Alongside his coaching staff, Mourinho is using the extra lead-in time to tighten preparations, assess the playing squad, and chart the club’s plan for an important season ahead. He shared his enthusiasm on social media, captioning the post with a simple, brisk message that captured his eagerness to take on the challenge: “Let’s go.” This early entry into Madrid’s routine shows Mourinho’s intent to hit the ground running and set a clear tone for what lies ahead.
While many players are still enjoying the tail end of their summer break and a few are away at the World Cup, Mourinho has established his office at Valdebebas and begun collaborating with a staff he specifically assembled to oversee this project. His backroom team features assistant coach Joao Tralhao, fitness specialist Antonio Dias, analyst Pedro Machado, performance analyst Roberto Merella, and goalkeeping coach Nuno Santos. The addition of Sami Khedira, the former Real Madrid midfielder, brings further experience and familiarity with the club’s culture to the coaching setup.
Rather than waiting for pre-season to commence in earnest, Mourinho has taken advantage of these early days to evaluate the current squad and identify priorities before the first training session. When the players report back, he will initially work with a core group that includes Andriy Lunin, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen, Raúl Asencio, Eduardo Camavinga, Gonzalo Garcia, and Franco Mastantuono. The squad, however, is not entirely available, with several key players sidelined by injuries. Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy are among those currently unavailable, presenting an added challenge for the coaching staff as they prepare for a demanding summer schedule.
With these absences, Mourinho and his team face the important task of readying the available players for a rigorous early-season itinerary. Fitness work is expected to be a central focus during the opening weeks as the coaching staff aims to optimize conditioning, compatibility, and tactical readiness across a squad undergoing transitional change. The early groundwork underscores a clear objective: to establish momentum from the outset, build cohesion among the players who are available, and set strategic priorities that will guide Real Madrid through a critical period of fixtures, competitions, and development.
As Real Madrid moves toward the start of pre-season, the club’s leadership and Mourinho are aligned on delivering an intense, well-structured build-up. The emphasis on early evaluation, staff integration, and targeted fitness programs signals a deliberate attempt to maximize performance during a pivotal season. Fans will be watching closely as the new managerial regime begins to imprint its philosophy, with the sense that Real Madrid aims to translate Mourinho’s experience and approach into tangible results on the pitch.