Real Madrid News
Real Madrid encouraged by Mourinho’s start as key players return to their best level
Jose Mourinho has had a sensational start to life on his return to Real Madrid, with the team securing three wins from three in La Liga.
The Portuguese tactician came back this summer with Florentino Perez trusting him to bring trophies back to the Santiago Bernabeu. And, he has started the season on a bright note.
According to journalist Carlos Carpio (h/t Defensa Central), inside the club, there is just as much satisfaction with the way the players have responded to the Portuguese tactician as there is with the results.
Real Madrid believe Mourinho has helped restore a sense of normality around the squad, with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and especially Federico Valverde all showing encouraging signs.
Real Madrid see a more focused squad
The feeling at Valdebebas is that the team’s biggest names look more settled and more connected to the collective project.
Bellingham has started the season at a very high level, Mbappe has looked sharp and decisive, while Valverde appears to have rediscovered his electric dynamism.
That matters because the club’s problems in recent seasons were not always tactical. The egos that caused a lot of problems have now taken a backseat.
Madrid wanted football to become the main story again, and Mourinho’s first few weeks have ensured just that.
Mourinho’s impact goes beyond results
Mourinho, as expected, has placed a strong emphasis on professionalism, discipline and responsibility.
That does not mean Real Madrid believe every problem has suddenly disappeared. The club are still approaching the season with patience, aware that difficult moments will come.
However, as things stand, Mourinho appears to have achieved something important quickly: he has the major personalities pulling together in the same direction.
When Valverde provides intensity and balance, Bellingham controls matches from midfield and Mbappe delivers in attack, Real Madrid always look like a good team.
The real test will be maintaining that level over a long season. It remains to be seen how the players respond when the results do not go their way.
Three victories prove very little on their own. A more focused, professional dressing room could prove far more significant.
It remains to be seen whether Madrid’s early satisfaction carries through the course of the season. Jose has started really well, and the challenge now is to sustain it through the campaign.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
