​Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken to Real Madrid’s official media about the opening days of preseason at Valdebebas, describing the workload as demanding and offering an enthusiastic assessment of working under José Mourinho for the first time as a player in Madrid’s squad. The England international, now entering his second season at the club after switching from Liverpool in the summer of 2025, was candid about the challenges the squad has faced since returning to Ciudad Real Madrid. “So far, so good. It’s hot and very intense. We’re in preseason, and that’s what we expected. There are a lot of tough sessions, a lot of double sessions, so it’s been intense so far,” he told the club’s official channel on July 16.
Alexander-Arnold emphasized that he accepted responsibility for arriving in peak condition after the break. “In the summer you have a couple of weeks off and then a couple of weeks getting back into running and regaining your fitness. Now, in preseason, you have to come back in shape. So I was ready and really looking forward to returning.”
Mourinho’s return to the Bernabéu has dominated Madrid’s summer narrative. The Portuguese coach began preparations for the new campaign at Valdebebas, with early work conducted with a smaller squad. Alexander-Arnold acknowledged that he had already faced Mourinho’s teams as an opponent before joining Madrid, and framed their current working relationship in straightforwardly positive terms. “With Mourinho? Very good, very good. I’ve always admired the coach. I’ve played against him a couple of times and it’s a pleasure to work with him and his team. He’s intense. The principles and the level of expectation are very high, so I’m looking forward to seeing how, the more we get to know each other, the more we learn and the more he can teach us.”
He did not shy away from stating the collective ambition underpinning that relationship. “And we’re all willing and eager to learn and improve. I’m sure he’ll teach us a lot and help us win trophies this year.” Alexander-Arnold also outlined his own physical timeline, signaling a period of rest before this training block and detailing his preseason priorities. “Preseason objectives? It’s about getting in shape, understanding the principles and how the coach wants us to play. Understanding how we’re going to set up and present ourselves for this season. And, simply, getting fit and back in action and regaining our rhythm. I’ve been out of action for a long time, so it’s good to finally be back and lay a good foundation for a successful season.”
As Real Madrid continues to map out its plans for Mourinho’s project, the squad is navigating the early stages of preseason under the Portuguese manager. The emphasis remains on building fitness, instilling tactical principles, and integrating new and returning players as the team prepares for the demands of the new campaign. This period at Valdebebas is being framed as a crucial foundation phase, designed to sharpen the squad’s cohesion and readiness ahead of a season poised to test Mourinho’s methods and Madrid’s ambitions.