“There is an absurd theory: that you can be great without winning. In sport, the goal is to win. » This is José Mourinho’s mantra, repeated to Vanity Fair for his first interview given since he was officially named coach of Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach is making his return to the Madrid bench and he already has one more asset than his recent predecessors, he has a say in the summer transfer window. Have already arrived: left back Cucurella, French defender Konaté and Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva. Three recruits validated by the Special One, while waiting for that of Dumfries, the Dutch right side.
The Madrid transfer window is far from over, as another central defender is expected, a new potential starting midfielder and an attacker with a profile different from what Real already has in store. The names of Schlotterbeck and Bastoni are mentioned for the defense, while Enzo Fernandez is said to be José Mourinho’s priority, while Chelsea have set the price at €140m. José Mourinho has established his plan, he wants his team to play in 4-2-3-1, with players of character.
Bellingham key element
He is ready to sacrifice many elements present in the squad, starting with the French Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga. Even Aurélien Tchouameni would be threatened, according to The Athletic, if Camavinga is not sold. We need to make room in midfield, especially since Valverde is considered important in Mourinho’s eyes. But the essential in the middle is on course to be Jude Bellingham, who experienced an upset 2025-2026 season. “Mourinho sees Jude Bellingham as a key player at number 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation and, more rarely, as a box-to-box number 8. The coach spoke to the England international during an initial introduction where he wished him good luck for the World Cup. Sources close to coach say Bellingham should be important to Mourinho »can we read in The Athletic.
Will Jude Bellinghamm regain the enormous influence of his first season with the Merengues with Mourinho? The coach will in any case not move the attack line, where Vinicius, Mbappé and Rodrygo seem essential to him. No big recruits required in this sector, except for this backup attacker, with a profile similar to that of Joselu. Mourinho also wants to keep Brahim Diaz. Mbappé will be his attacking leader. “I am here to help, not to criticize. Mbappé is a phenomenal player, and I will do everything to help him become even better”he promised. We’re already looking forward to it.
