Real Madrid News
Marc Cucurella speaks out after first Real Madrid training under Mourinho: ‘A source of pride’
Marc Cucurella has officially begun his Real Madrid career, with the new signing taking part in his first training session at Valdebebas and speaking about his excitement at finally joining the Spanish giants.
The defender has been waiting for this moment for some time, and his first day with the squad allowed him to meet his new teammates and begin working under Jose Mourinho.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the session, Cucurella made it clear that the move represents one of the biggest moments of his career.
He also explained what he hopes to bring to Mourinho’s team as Real Madrid prepare for the 2026/27 season.
Cucurella delighted to start Real Madrid career
During the interview, Cucurella did not hide his excitement after completing his first training session at Valdebebas.
“I’m really happy. I’ve been waiting a long time – it’s felt like an age – but I’m finally here.
“Today I trained with my teammates, I’ve met everyone, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them all better and making this a great year.”
The defender understands the significance of joining Real Madrid and described wearing the famous white shirt as a privilege.
“It’s a source of pride. Not many people can say they’ve worn this shirt. We’ve seen great legends.
“It’s a club with a rich history, the biggest in Europe, and being here is a privilege, an honour and, above all, a reward for all the hard work I’ve put in throughout my career.”
His first meeting with the squad also went smoothly. Cucurella revealed that some of his new teammates had already contacted him before his arrival, helping make the transition easier.
“Very good, everything’s gone very well. I was really looking forward to meeting them; I’d spoken to a few teammates who’d messaged me.
“It’s been a really warm welcome. A tough day, a long day, but I’m already getting into the swing of things, training bit by bit – the real fun will start in no time.”
Cucurella explains what he can offer
The Spaniard’s arrival gives Mourinho another experienced option on the left side of Real Madrid’s defence, while his ability to contribute with energy and intensity could suit the Portuguese coach’s demands.
Cucurella spoke positively about working under Mourinho and suggested that the focus within the squad will be on enjoying their football while competing for major trophies.
“A lot of confidence, a lot of ease. Doing what we know how to do on the pitch, above all enjoying ourselves, and what we all want, which is to win and for it to be a great year.”
The new Real Madrid signing also outlined the qualities he believes he can bring to the team.
“Intensity, character, joy – a bit of everything. I’m a very hard-working person and, ultimately, with players of this calibre, as long as we stick together and are a great team – a tight-knit unit both on and off the pitch – I believe we can achieve great things.”
Furthermore, Cucurella also explained why he could not turn down the opportunity to join the club.
“As a player, as a child who starts out playing football, having the chance to play for a club like this is very hard to turn down. The opportunity came my way, and I didn’t hesitate for a moment.
“After all, as a spectator myself, I’ve witnessed all those magical nights, those comebacks at the Bernabeu, all the Champions League trophies they’ve lifted, and to have the chance to experience it first-hand, to be part of something great – I think it’s a huge responsibility, but also a wonderful and very important challenge.”
Notably, the defender has already experienced playing at the Santiago Bernabeu as an opponent and with the Spanish national team, but doing so as a Real Madrid player will be a completely different experience.
“I’m looking forward to playing our first home match and getting to know the fans.
“I’ve played at the Bernabeu as a visitor, and also in a match with the national team, but to experience it as a home player – hearing the chant, the arrival of the team bus, which I’ve seen in documentaries about big matches – is truly impressive.
“All of that is wonderful, and it leaves you with memories that last a lifetime,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho does not want Real Madrid new signing to be affected by price tag, will continue slow integration
Real Madrid had an explosive summer transfer window with as many as six new big signings coming through to strengthen the first-team squad, while Sergio Martinez was also roped in with an eye on the future.
Up until Friday, things were going well for Jose Mourinho & co., but the 1-0 loss to Real Betis has put the team under the scanner once again.
Questions are being asked, in particular, of the club’s most explosive signing, Yan Diomande.
Mourinho not changing plans with Diomande
However, according to journalist Alvaro Esteban, Mourinho will continue with the plan of integrating Diomande slowly into the team.
The Real Madrid boss does not want the 19-year-old winger to be negatively affected by his massive price tag this summer and the pressure generated because of it.
After all, Los Blancos shelled out an enormous €125 million plus €15 million in add-ons to sign Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Should all the variables be met, he will become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid history. And, naturally, such a price tag brings with it a great deal of pressure.
As such, Mourinho wants to make sure that the Ivory Coast international is not affected in any way by the talk around his price tag and will continue to ease him into the team without rushing things.
Only a handful of minutes for Diomande
So far, Real Madrid have played four La Liga games this season and Diomande has not started even one of them.
Instead, Mourinho has opted to field Arda Guler on the right wing in three matches while Brahim Diaz started in the remaining one.
As for Diomande, he has come on as a substitute in each of the four games, but has only racked up a total of 83 minutes, without scoring or assisting a goal so far.
But, his limited minutes and slow integration are seemingly a part of Mourinho’s plans who is intent on not overexposing the teenage winger and put him under undue pressure due to the expectations that come with his price tag.
