Real Madrid Prepares for New Season as Mourinho Establishes Core Starting XI
As the start of the new La Liga season approaches, Real Madrid is gearing up under the guidance of manager Jose Mourinho, who is eager to kick off with a strong performance. The Portuguese coach has enjoyed a fruitful pre-season despite variations in player return times.
Mourinho welcomed six new players to his squad, with standouts such as Carlos Espi and Denzel Dumfries already making notable impacts. According to reports by Javi Herraez on El Larguero, Mourinho has laid the groundwork for his starting lineup.
Six Places Already Locked In
Thibaut Courtois, Marc Cucurella, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Yan Diomande, and Jude Bellingham are identified as fixed starters in Mourinho’s plans. This selection outlines the key players the coach envisions as central to his strategy. Courtois retains his status as the primary goalkeeper, while Cucurella is expected to anchor the left-back position.
In the attacking lineup, the first-choice forwards are largely settled, particularly with Rodrygo continuing to recover from an ACL injury.
The Real Competition is Elsewhere
While six positions seem to be confirmed, significant competition remains in defense, especially for the centre-back, right-back, and central midfield spots. Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate, and Antonio Rudiger are vying for centre-back roles, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries compete for the right-back position. The midfield situation is even more fluid, with Fede Valverde, Bernardo Silva, and Aurelien Tchouameni among those seeking to secure two deeper roles, alongside Eduardo Camavinga, who is also eager for playing time.
Mourinho faces important decisions ahead as he finalizes his strongest lineup.
Signings Could Further Change the Hierarchy
While the likelihood of significant player exits is low, such departures could prompt Real Madrid to make further acquisitions, altering the team’s dynamics. The club has managed to retain most of its star players, particularly Vinicius.
Jose Mourinho’s preferred starters face the challenge of proving themselves continuously, as a manager like him is quick to shift priorities if necessary. The final makeup of his starting XI may evolve throughout the season based on performance.
Real Madrid do not have long left before the new La Liga season officially gets underway, and Jose Mourinho will be keen to get off to a winning start.
The Portuguese tactician has had a productive pre-season period despite many players returning at different times.
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Jose has also welcomed as many as six new players into his fold, with players like Carlos Espi and Denzel Dumfries in particular already making an impression.
Now, according to Javi Herraez on El Larguero, Mourinho has already established the core of his Real Madrid starting XI.
Six places already locked in
Thibaut Courtois, Marc Cucurella, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Yan Diomande and Jude Bellingham are viewed as Mourinho’s fixed starters.
This list already offers a clear picture of the players Mourinho sees as central to his project.
Courtois remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, while Cucurella’s stature sees him walk into the team as the left-back.
Jose Mourinho has his untouchables at Real Madrid. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
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Further forward, the front four pick themselves, especially in the absence of Rodrygo, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.
The real competition is elsewhere
If those six positions are effectively settled, the biggest questions remain in the centre of defence, at right-back and in the double pivot.
Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate and Antonio Rudiger are competing for centre-back places, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries continue to battle on the right.
Midfield is even more open.
Fede Valverde, Bernardo Silva and Aurelien Tchouameni are all strong candidates to occupy the two deeper roles, with Eduardo Camavinga also pushing for minutes.
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That means Mourinho still has major decisions to make before his strongest XI becomes completely clear.
Signings could further change the hierarchy
Bellingham will be among regular starters under Mourinho. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Although it looks unlikely, exits could prompt Madrid to make further signings in the market, which could further change the proposition.
Los Blancos have done exceedingly well in retaining most of their star players, especially Vinicius, and it would come as quite a surprise to see someone leave now.
It is clear that Jose has a list of candidates he considers favourites for his team, but there is also the risk of them getting too comfortable.
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Even if those six are guaranteed starters, every single player needs to work and prove that they deserve to play every single minute.
A manager like Jose will not take long to rip up the list and write up a new one if things are not working, and it remains to be seen how his plans change over the course of the season.
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