Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender excited to work with Jose Mourinho: ‘He’s a great coach’
In a recent interview with SportyNet (h/t MARCA), Real Madrid defender Eder Militao expressed his excitement about working with new manager Jose Mourinho next season, while also discussing his injury ordeals.
Following the presidential elections last weekend, Real Madrid confirmed the appointment of Mourinho as the new manager on a three-year contract until 2029.
The Portuguese tactician arrives at the club after a two-year major trophy drought and his return to the Santiago Bernabeu has sparked a positive reaction from the squad.
Militao looking forward to Mourinho stint
Indeed, Thibaut Courtois recently spoke highly of Mourinho and his return to the club, and now Militao has also expressed his delight at the opportunity of working with the 63-year-old manager.
“He’s a great coach. I’m looking forward to next season,” said Militao.
Further continuing, he added: “Personally, life has its ups and downs. The important thing is to be mentally strong. If you’re in a good place mentally and with your family, everything flows better.”
On his injury ordeals
Militao endured another injury-riddled campaign with Real Madrid, with his latest setback, sustained towards the final phase of the season, ruling him out for several months.
Speaking about how he picked up the injury and the impact it has had on him, Militao elaborated:
“It was when I was going to head in a cross. As I turned to shoot, I felt something strange. At first, it didn’t seem serious. I walked to the locker room, they ran some tests, and nothing conclusive came up.
“Then the diagnosis came. It’s clear that having so many injuries affects you psychologically, but it also gives you experience. Before, I was a very explosive player; now I’m more mature and don’t rely so much on speed.”
The injury also meant that Militao was ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he acknowledged was a bitter pill to swallow.
“It’s tough, yes. Raphinha, Endrick, Bruno Guimaraes wrote to me to find out how I was doing. Of course we wanted to be there, we worked for that, but I’m supporting them one hundred percent,” admitted Militao.
“It’s very painful to miss the World Cup, but I also have to think about my career. I could have gotten injured even while playing for the national team. I accepted it and relied heavily on my family.”
Showing his support to the Brazil team, he added: “It’s sad to be left off the list, but I’m also just another fan. I support the team to the fullest, I watch the games and I try to send positive energy.”
Regarding Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, Militao remarked: “He’s still the same person, a great coach and a wonderful father. The training sessions are demanding, and he’s always looking to improve.
“Real Madrid and Brazil are similar. Both are the best at what they do. The pressure is high, but it’s healthy pressure. It’s the price you pay for being at the best clubs.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
