Real Madrid News
Real Sociedad boss impressed by Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid: ‘You can clearly see a different structure’
Real Sociedad are set to visit the Spanish capital tomorrow to take on Real Madrid in what will be Jose Mourinho’s second La Liga game this season.
Los Blancos secured a late 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their opening encounter and will hope to keep the momentum against the Basque club.
In the pre-match press conference, Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo praised the early impact of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Speaking ahead of the Basque club’s visit, as quoted by AS, Matarazzo was asked for his assessment of the “new Real Madrid”.
Matarazzo sees a more organised Madrid
The Sociedad manager made it clear that he already sees a very different team with a distinct identity under Jose.
“It is very clear that they are a top team with several new signings, impressive signings and a new coach,” Matarazzo said.
The Sociedad boss then pointed to the structural changes Mourinho has introduced.
“With the new coach, you can clearly see a different structure, whether in the pressing, where they are more organised, or in their counter-pressing, where you can see a different intensity compared to recent seasons,” he explained.
This is an assessment that would make Mourinho happy, as he has repeatedly reiterated the need for intensity and physical preparation since his return to the club.
Clear ideas in attack
The praise was not limited to Madrid’s work without the ball.
“In attack you can also see clarity in what they want,” Matarazzo added.
That is particularly relevant given how much attention has surrounded Mourinho’s attempts to fit Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande into the same attacking structure.
The 4-2-3-1 has increasingly looked like the base system, with Madrid trying to create clearer roles around those attacking stars.
Diomande may not yet be starting games for Los Blancos, but it will not be long before Jose has to find a way to field all four attacking superstars in the same XI.
Sociedad still believe in themselves
Matarazzo nevertheless made clear that Sociedad are not travelling to Madrid simply to contain Mourinho’s side.
“Of course, it is a challenge for us, but at the same time we believe in our quality, in our strengths, and we approach the game with that conviction,” he concluded.
The Basque club have consistently been capable of troubling top teams in Spain in recent seasons, and Matarazzo will want to do the same at the Bernabeu tomorrow.
For Real Madrid, the focus has to be on putting in a more convincing performance against Sociedad than they did against Espanyol.
If they do that and manage to get the three points, that will represent a step in a positive direction, and it remains to be seen how Jose Mourinho sets his team up for the game.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s summer signing recalls surprise call that sealed his move: ‘I couldn’t believe it at first’
Real Madrid did not have a single player called up to the Spain squad when Luis de la Fuente named his roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Yet, when Spain eventually lifted the trophy on 19 July, Los Blancos had a player who had played a starring role for La Roja throughout the tournament.
Madrid signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea just ahead of Spain’s opening game at the tournament, and the Spaniard went on to have a sensational campaign.
He has now been presented as one of Madrid’s marquee signings this summer and, speaking to Real Madrid TV, he reflected on how surreal these first few weeks have been.
Cucurella impressed by Madrid’s 15 Champions League trophies
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the 28-year-old admitted that seeing Real Madrid’s 15 European Cups up close made a major impression on him.
“It is very impressive,” Cucurella said.
He recalled some of Madrid’s most memorable recent Champions League triumphs, particularly the comeback run and the club’s latest victory.
“I remember the one with all the comebacks, and also the last one, which was won by some of my Spain teammates like Carva, Joselu and Nacho,” he continued.
For Cucurella, adding another European Cup is already one of the ambitions attached to his new chapter.
“Hopefully we can have some great seasons and be lucky enough to lift one. As a player, it is one of the greatest achievements there can be,” he revealed.
Florentino Perez made a strong impression
Cucurella also spoke warmly about Florentino Perez after spending time with the Madrid president.
“He is someone who commands respect through his presence and everything he has achieved,” the defender said.
Cucurella added that Perez deserves significant credit for the club Madrid have become, describing the opportunity to meet him more closely as a special experience.
Madrid call came out of the blue
Perhaps the most interesting part of the interview was the moment Cucurella learned Madrid wanted him this summer.
“I couldn’t believe it at first,” he said.
Cucurella explained that he was in the United States when his representatives urgently asked him to join a video call.
“It was eight in the morning and I thought, ‘Something has happened, they must have some bad news to give me,'” he continued.
“I was a bit in shock because I wasn’t expecting it. Nobody had told me anything.”
Cucurella did not hesitate
Once the surprise disappeared, Cucurella’s response was immediate.
“You don’t expect it. Not many people can say they have received a call from a club like Real Madrid,” he said.
“I was very excited and I didn’t hesitate for a moment.”
The Spaniard’s words also explain how the deal between Madrid, Chelsea and Cucurella progressed at an incredible pace.
Before anyone realised, Los Blancos had already announced the Spanish left-back as their new signing this summer.
Madrid now have one of the best left-backs of his generation at their club and get to enjoy him during his prime years.
Despite spending many years in La Masia and having come through Barcelona’s academy, Cucurella seems to embody Madrid’s spirit to perfection.
He has made a strong impression on Madrid fans even before his playing career has properly begun and is set to be felicitated tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos fans will hope that Cucurella can carry his World Cup form into the club season, and it remains to be seen how he fares under Jose Mourinho.
