Real Madrid News
Mourinho has special plan devised to avoid another Mastantuono situation with Real Madrid record signing
Real Madrid had a dream summer transfer window, making as many as six first-team signings and bringing back Jose Mourinho.
Los Blancos also broke their transfer record, making Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande their most expensive signing of all time.
However, according to AS, Mourinho has no intention of letting the €125 million price tag dictate how quickly the 19-year-old becomes a starter for Madrid.
The Portuguese tactician has designed a careful development plan for Diomande, aimed at removing pressure while gradually preparing the Ivory Coast international for an important role in his Madrid side.
Mourinho calls for patience with Diomande
Diomande has played only 25, six and 26 minutes, respectively, against Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Malaga.
Given his enormous transfer fee, supporters could reasonably have expected a more immediate role.
Mourinho sees things differently.
“He has to go little by little,” Mourinho said.
“He works a lot and well. He is open and humble, wants to learn, listens to his teammates, and he is going to grow.”
The Madrid coach insisted he cannot judge Diomande through his price tag, despite expectations surrounding a player who produced 12 goals and eight assists across 33 Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig last season.
“Calm, take it easy,” was Mourinho’s message.
Madrid want to avoid repeating Mastantuono mistake
The strategy is partly designed to avoid repeating what Madrid believe went wrong with Franco Mastantuono under Xabi Alonso.
The Argentine was given major responsibility before he was ready, while established players were pushed aside.
The situation ultimately created problems, both for Mastantuono and the dressing room. Mourinho is taking the opposite approach.
Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz performed strongly during pre-season and have earned their standing within the squad.
Diomande’s transfer fee will not automatically place him ahead of teammates who have already justified their minutes.
Diomande expected to become a starter in due course
That does not mean Madrid have doubts about their record investment.
The plan is for Diomande’s playing time to increase progressively, with the ultimate objective of making him a starter if his development continues as expected.
Mourinho is also spending considerable time with the youngster in training, helping him understand Madrid’s tactical demands.
Importantly, Diomande accepts the plan and remains relaxed. Madrid did not spend as much money as they did to push the teenager into the deep end before he is ready.
He is a signing for the future as much as he is for the present, and it remains to be seen how Jose slowly integrates Diomande into Madrid’s plans going forward.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
