​Jose Mourinho is officially back at Real Madrid as the club’s new manager, and he is set to start his pre-season ahead of the new campaign on Monday, July 13. He steps in to replace Alvaro Arbeloa after a difficult period for the club, and with Real Madrid having endured a two-season trophy drought, the new boss will have limited time to steer the side back to winning ways. There is, however, substantial internal backing for Mourinho and confidence in his ability to maximize the talent within the squad, especially given the quality in the dressing room.
On paper, Real Madrid possess one of Europe’s most formidable squads, yet that potential has not consistently translated into silverware. Mourinho is tasked with changing that narrative, and his pre-season will be crucial in setting the tone for the season ahead. Madrid Universal highlights three key things to watch as Mourinho begins pre-season.
The ongoing FIFA World Cup complicates Mourinho’s early preparations, as the manager cannot rely on many of the club’s regular starters from the outset. Will he lean on the academy as his predecessors did? With the crème de la crème of the squad involved in or recently returning from the tournament, the coach will need to assemble a workable group from the players available in the early stages of pre-season.
To fill the gaps, Mourinho is expected to give opportunities to several academy talents in the opening weeks of pre-season. This raises questions about whether any academy graduate might secure a season-long role. In the past, players like David Jimenez, Thiago Pitarch, Cesar Palacios, Jorge Cestero and others earned chances after impressive showings while Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso were at Real Madrid, suggesting a pathway for academy graduates to break through under the right circumstances.
The stars mentioned are likely to participate in Mourinho’s early pre-season with Real Madrid, which begins next week. The real question now is which young players the manager will favor and how they might fit into his plans. Over the years, Mourinho has not been renowned for promoting academy players, often preferring established signings and ready-made solutions. If any of these young talents make an impression, it could help Real Madrid economize on the transfer budget and potentially reallocate funds to higher-priority areas.
As Mourinho readies for his first season back at Real Madrid, the central question is what identity and tactical approach he will bring to the squad. The answer will unfold in the coming weeks as he shapes the team’s style and strategy. So far, Mourinho has prioritized a solid defensive foundation, a theme likely to influence how the team performs and evolves during the pre-season and into the season ahead.