Mourinho Clarifies Camavinga’s Role at Real Madrid, Rules Out Left-Back Position
Jose Mourinho has made a definitive decision about Eduardo Camavinga’s position with Real Madrid, firmly stating he will not utilize the French midfielder as a left-back. According to reports from Defensa Central, Mourinho envisions Camavinga strictly as a midfielder and plans to deploy him as a backup for Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde in the incoming 2026/27 season.
This decision aims to resolve the positional uncertainty that has plagued Camavinga’s career at Real Madrid. Previously, he often found himself playing left-back due to injuries and other squad challenges. Under Mourinho’s management, that routine is expected to change. The coach intends to prevent Camavinga from needing to adapt to another position regularly, with the only exception being a critical injury crisis.
Mourinho believes Camavinga should focus solely on his midfield role rather than juggle multiple positions, which could hinder his development. The manager holds a complete view of the Real Madrid squad and is focused on working with the players at his disposal.
Camavinga will likely remain at the club despite speculation about a potential sale, as Mourinho regards him as a vital asset for the upcoming season. He expects the French international to consistently compete and provide depth in central midfield, primarily covering for Tchouameni and Valverde.
The manager plans to rotate Camavinga in and out of games rather than assign him to different roles, recognizing that switching positions may distract him from enhancing his skills in midfield.
Cucurella Signing Expands Madrid’s Options
Real Madrid’s summer transfer activity has further simplified Mourinho’s plans. The acquisition of Marc Cucurella has bolstered the left-back position, which had previously posed issues for the club. With Cucurella’s addition, Mourinho now has a specialist left-back, reducing the need to repurpose a midfielder for that role.
Additionally, Alvaro Carreras is on hand, and Ferland Mendy is anticipated to return once fit. The club has also reviewed Lamini Fati during pre-season as a potential option if additional depth is needed.
With an array of possibilities on hand, Mourinho believes it is unnecessary to revert Camavinga to a defensive role.
Jose Mourinho has made a clear decision regarding Eduardo Camavinga’s role at Real Madrid, with the Portuguese manager unwilling to use the Frenchman as a left-back.
According to Defensa Central, Mourinho sees Camavinga strictly as a midfielder and plans to use him as an alternative to Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde during the 2026/27 season.
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The decision could finally bring an end to the positional uncertainty that has followed Camavinga throughout his Real Madrid career.
The French international has regularly been pushed into the left-back position in previous seasons whenever injuries or squad problems left the team short of options.
Under Mourinho, however, that is set to change.
The Real Madrid manager does not want Camavinga spending time adapting to another position and would only consider using him at left-back in an extreme emergency.
Mourinho sees Camavinga as midfield cover
Mourinho currently considers the Real Madrid squad complete and is working with the players already available to him.
Camavinga will not play in defence under Mourinho. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
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That also means Camavinga is expected to remain at the club despite previous suggestions that Real Madrid could consider selling him.
The Portuguese coach is counting on the French midfielder and sees him as an important option for the season ahead.
Rather than using him across multiple positions, Mourinho wants to keep his role simple.
Camavinga will provide competition and rotation in central midfield, primarily acting as cover for Tchouameni and Valverde.
As per the outlet, Camavinga could often be used from the bench and given opportunities to rotate with the first-choice midfielders, as Mourinho does not want him playing out of position.
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The manager believes that constantly learning the demands of different roles could distract the player from fully developing his game in midfield.
Cucurella signing gives Real Madrid more options
Camavinga will act as cover for Tchouameni and Valverde. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s summer business has also made Mourinho’s decision easier.
The arrival of Marc Cucurella has strengthened a position that had caused the club problems in previous seasons.
His signing means Mourinho has a specialist left-back available rather than needing to turn to a midfielder for cover.
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Furthermore, Alvaro Carreras is also available, while Ferland Mendy is expected to return once he recovers.
Lastly, Real Madrid also tested Lamini Fati during pre-season and could look towards another academy player if further depth is required.
Hence, with several alternatives available, there should be little reason to move Camavinga back to defence.
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