Real Madrid Set High Expectations for Mourinho’s Return This Season
Expectations at Real Madrid could hardly be higher heading into Jose Mourinho’s first season back in charge, given the kind of signings they have made.
That, coupled with the fact that the serial winner is back in charge, means a lot is expected of Los Blancos this campaign.
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According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, both the coach and the club are convinced the squad are capable of fighting on every front this season.
The message from inside Valdebebas is one of confidence rather than transition.
Despite the significant changes made this summer, Real Madrid believe Mourinho already has the resources required to challenge immediately.
Real Madrid Targeting All Four Major Trophies
There is no suggestion that one competition will be prioritised at the expense of another.
Real Madrid believe they can compete for La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and, most importantly, the UEFA Champions League.
Gunning for glory. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
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That represents a considerable challenge for Mourinho, but the club’s summer investment means expectations naturally come with it.
The Portuguese coach has inherited established stars including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde, while Madrid have strengthened the squad significantly around them.
Two Options for Every Position
One of the main reasons for the confidence internally is the depth Mourinho now has available.
The assessment within Real Madrid is that every position is covered by at least two players, giving the manager enough alternatives to rotate without dramatically weakening the team.
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That depth could prove particularly important across a long season.
Mourinho has already demonstrated during pre-season that he is willing to consider different combinations, especially in defence, midfield, and at right-back.
Big challenges ahead. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
There is also considerable competition further forward, where players such as Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz will be fighting for opportunities around Real Madrid’s expected attacking starters.
No Excuses for Jose
Real Madrid’s position also increases the pressure on their returning manager.
This is not being presented internally as a rebuilding season in which results can take a secondary role to development.
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Mourinho has been backed with a deep squad, and the club believe they have addressed enough weaknesses to challenge Europe’s best.
Winning everything is never a realistic minimum requirement, particularly across four competitions. However, competing seriously for everything is different.
That is the standard Real Madrid have set for themselves.
The last couple of seasons have been trophyless for Los Blancos, and that is almost unheard of in their recent history.
The club will be keen to return to winning ways this season, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho marshals his troops to ensure a winning project.
Expectations at Real Madrid could hardly be higher heading into Jose Mourinho’s first season back in charge, given the kind of signings they have made.
That, coupled with the fact that the serial winner is back in charge, means a lot is expected of Los Blancos this campaign.
Advertisement
According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, both the coach and the club are convinced the squad are capable of fighting on every front this season.
The message from inside Valdebebas is one of confidence rather than transition.
Despite the significant changes made this summer, Real Madrid believe Mourinho already has the resources required to challenge immediately.
Real Madrid targeting all four major trophies
There is no suggestion that one competition will be prioritised at the expense of another.
Real Madrid believe they can compete for La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and, most importantly, the UEFA Champions League.
Gunning for glory. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Advertisement
That represents a considerable challenge for Mourinho, but the club’s summer investment means expectations naturally come with it.
The Portuguese coach has inherited established stars including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, while Madrid have strengthened the squad significantly around them.
Two options for every position
One of the main reasons for the confidence internally is the depth Mourinho now has available.
The assessment within Real Madrid is that every position is covered by at least two players, giving the manager enough alternatives to rotate without dramatically weakening the team.
Advertisement
That depth could prove particularly important across a long season.
Mourinho has already demonstrated during pre-season that he is willing to consider different combinations, especially in defence, midfield and at right-back.
Big challenges ahead. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
There is also considerable competition further forward, where players such as Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz will be fighting for opportunities around Real Madrid’s expected attacking starters.
No excuses for Jose
Real Madrid’s position also increases the pressure on their returning manager.
This is not being presented internally as a rebuilding season in which results can take a secondary role to development.
Advertisement
Mourinho has been backed with a deep squad, and the club believe they have addressed enough weaknesses to challenge Europe’s best.
Winning everything is never a realistic minimum requirement, particularly across four competitions. However, competing seriously for everything is different.
That is the standard Real Madrid have set for themselves.
The last couple of seasons have been trophyless for Los Blancos, and that is almost unheard of in their recent history.
The club will be keen to return to winning ways this season, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho marshals his troops to ensure a winning project.
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