Headline: Real Madrid’s New Era Under Jose Mourinho Starts Strong with Pre-Season Victory
Real Madrid embarks on an exhilarating new chapter under returning head coach Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese manager returned earlier this summer, and so far, his second term is proving fruitful, with the team achieving four wins and one draw in their pre-season campaign. The latest triumph came with a solid 3-0 victory over Schalke.
Thibaut Courtois made his pre-season debut in the match against Schalke. After the game, he provided insights to Real Madrid TV (via MD) regarding the victory in Gelsenkirchen and shared his thoughts as he approaches his ninth season with Los Blancos.
“I feel very good,” Courtois stated. “I did a lot of gym training during my holidays to be in shape. I came back a couple of days early because I wanted to do some individual work. Today was the last test before the season starts, and it was essential for me to perform well. I think we did that; we were solid defensively, created numerous chances, and played well. Physically, I see everyone in great condition.”
Courtois: “Everyone wants a great season”
With the previous two seasons passing without a major trophy, Real Madrid is eager to make a strong comeback. According to Courtois, this squad has what it takes to turn the tide during the 2026-27 season at the Bernabeu.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm. After the World Cup, we’ve gradually come together, and the team is looking forward to the upcoming season. Everyone is eager for a great season; I see a lot of commitment and a strong desire to start. Mourinho emphasizes the need for high concentration at every moment—during corners, fouls, and every second of the game—we need to play well and seriously.”
Real Madrid have in the early stages of an exciting new era, spearheaded by returning head coach Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese was brought back by Jose Mourinho earlier in the summer, and so far, his second spell in charge has gone well, with Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Schalke making it four wins and a draw in pre-season.
Thibaut Courtois was one of the Real Madrid players featuring for the first time in pre-season against Schalke, and after the match, he spoke to Real Madrid TV (via MD) to reflect on the victory in Gelsenkirchen, as well as how he is feeling ahead of his ninth season as a Los Blancos player.
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“I feel very good. I did a lot of gym on my holidays to be well, I came a couple of days before because I felt that I had to do some individual work to be well, today I tested myself and felt good. Today was the last test before starting the season and it was important to play a good game. I think we did it, we were safe at the back, created many chances, good play. Physically I see everyone very well.”
Courtois: “Everyone wants a great season”
Real Madrid are determined to bounce back after two consecutive seasons without a major trophy, and Courtois believes that this group is the one to turn things around at the Bernabeu during the 2026-27 campaign.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm. After the World Cup we have arrived little by little, but the team is looking forward to it, everyone wants a great season, I see a lot of dedication and a lot of desire to start. (Mourinho asks for) a lot of concentration at every moment of the game, in corners, fouls, every second of the game, playing well and seriously.”
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