Real Madrid News
Modric sends warm message to Mourinho after Real Madrid return: ‘One of the best in the world’
Real Madrid have had a couple of trophyless seasons, which feels unheard of considering their tendency to thrive on the biggest occasions.
Something needed to change at the Spanish club this summer, and re-elected president Florentino Perez took the brave call to bring back Jose Mourinho from Benfica.
Since coming back, the Portuguese manager has wasted no time in revamping the squad, with the club wrapping up as many as four new signings before the end of June.
Everyone is excited about what Mourinho will bring to the table. Now, club legend Luka Modric has sent a warm message to his former coach.
As quoted by RM4Arab, he said: “Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid? I wish him all the best. He is a great personality and one of the best coaches in the world, and I have a special affection for him.”
Modric is not just any former player. He is one of the greatest midfielders in Real Madrid history, and Mourinho played a key role in bringing him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
A bond that still matters
Modric’s first season at Real Madrid was not easy, but the club’s faith in him was eventually rewarded beyond what anyone expected.
He became a Champions League icon, a Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most respected players ever to wear the white shirt.
Mourinho was there at the beginning of that journey, which is why Modric’s affection feels genuine.
Players like the Croatian arrived during that cycle and later became central to years of European dominance.
Mourinho returns with respect
Mourinho comes back to a very different Real Madrid. The squad has changed, the dressing room has changed, but the expectations have not.
The Portuguese manager has always commanded respect from most players he has managed, and the hope is that he will be able to bring the best out of the current squad at the club.
It seems like the manager has already decided to use a 4-2-3-1 formation next season.
That does not guarantee success. Real Madrid are never easy, and a second spell always brings new pressure.
If there is someone who can manage it, though, it will have to be Jose. A lot of work still needs to be done this summer.
It remains to be seen how the squad looks under Mourinho by the time the season starts and what he can bring out of this set of players in the coming years.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
