​Jose Mourinho is eagerly anticipating the return of all Real Madrid players for pre-season, with MARCA highlighting one name in particular that he wants to see prominently again: Federico Valverde. The Portuguese coach has decided to take a hands-on approach to a matter that has grown into a real concern for the club. Even after the World Cup, the tension surrounding the Uruguayan midfielder has not subsided.
Real Madrid had hoped that a period away from Valdebebas, following a challenging season that ended with the incident involving Aurelien Tchouameni, would allow the emotions tied to the events of the year to cool off. Instead, Valverde became involved in further controversy on the global stage during the World Cup with his national team, keeping him under a microscope throughout what many regard as the toughest chapter of his professional career.
Since June 27, when Uruguay were eliminated from the World Cup after a group-stage defeat to Spain, Valverde has been on vacation. That break provided him with a chance to disconnect and recharge before returning to Madrid. It has been a difficult year for the midfielder, who simply wants to put everything behind him, move past the controversies he faced, and begin the new season with a clean slate.
In Mourinho, Valverde will find a strong ally. The new Real Madrid manager plans a private, candid conversation with his captain to clear the air and help him rediscover his best form. Valverde is considered untouchable by Mourinho; the coach does not intend to strip him of the captaincy or entertain transfer rumors now intensifying in the media. Instead, Valverde is set to remain Real Madrid’s first captain and a central pillar of Mourinho’s project.
Mourinho’s confidence in Valverde is designed to help him leave the events of the past year behind. The first major flashpoint occurred when Valverde was seen by some as one of the players responsible for Xabi Alonso’s departure. Although Vinicius Jr. drew the most criticism and later admitted he had struggled to connect with Alonso, Valverde also faced strain within that relationship.
When Alvaro Arbeloa temporarily took charge, tensions appeared to ease, and Valverde, together with Vinicius, emerged as one of Arbeloa’s strongest allies during a period when Real Madrid briefly regained their form. Mourinho’s trust in Valverde remains intact, and the relationship between manager and captain is built on the belief that Valverde can help steer the club through difficult passages.
Nevertheless, the buoyant momentum soon faded. The atmosphere at Valdebebas grew tense again, culminating in two separate altercations involving Tchouameni as the season drew to a close. With rumors swirling about the possibility of Valverde losing the captaincy or even being sold, he left Madrid to join Uruguay for the World Cup. There, he sought to find his footing amidst the ongoing scrutiny and public debate that followed him back from club to country.