Real Madrid News
Mourinho dismisses squad clear-out talk at Real Madrid after last season’s problems: ‘I want these players, I want the best’
Having been appointed as the new manager Jose Mourinho has moved to calm speculation about a major squad overhaul at Real Madrid, insisting he wants to work with the club’s current stars rather than replace them.
Speaking on Adebayo Akinfenwa’s Beast Mode On podcast (h/t MARCA), the Portuguese coach addressed reports surrounding his plans ahead of beginning work at Valdebebas on July 13.
No clearout planned
Mourinho rejected suggestions that he intends to overhaul the dressing room after taking charge.
“I’ve read some things saying that Jose is coming here and he’s going to cut some of the best players who supposedly had problems during the season. No, no, I want these players, I want these players, I want the best,” he stated.
Instead of making sweeping changes, Mourinho believes his task is to build a stronger collective especially after the problems that popped up in the Real Madrid locker room last season.
“Now I have to find a way to have a team and not have the problems that, I don’t know, from what I’ve read, they had in previous seasons,” the Portuguese said.
Having great players Is a good problem
For Mourinho, managing elite talent is a challenge every coach should welcome.
“The best problem a coach can have is having the best players,” he explained.
He argued that dealing with limited-quality squads presents a far greater challenge than balancing a dressing room full of top-level footballers with egos.
“If you have problems with players who aren’t very good, that’s a big problem,” Mourinho added.
Hoping Real Madrid’s internationals return soon
One of Mourinho’s most eye-catching comments concerned the ongoing World Cup.
Asked what he hoped to see from the tournament, he offered a response that quickly attracted attention.
“You want the truth? I want the Real Madrid players to lose and go on vacation. Because I want the lads back for pre-season,” he joked.
Building physical fitness and tactical cohesion from the very beginning is one of his main priorities.
When asked to name the best dressing room of his managerial career, Mourinho answered immediately.
“Real Madrid.”
Thoughts on the World Cup
Mourinho admitted he has struggled to become fully engaged with the early stages of the tournament, arguing that several one-sided scorelines have surprised him.
“After ten minutes I switch off,” he joked. “A 7-1 or a 5-1 shouldn’t happen at a World Cup.”
He expects the competition to become far more compelling once the knockout rounds begin.
Among the strongest contenders, Mourinho highlighted England, France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Portugal, praising the depth of talent across all six nations while maintaining his long-standing belief that England always has the quality to challenge for the title.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
