Bernardo Silva Debuts as Mourinho Calls for Additional Midfielder
Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations are well underway, highlighted by a recent friendly match against Hungarian club Ferencvaros. This game marked the debut of Bernardo Silva, among other new signings.
The Portuguese midfielder played the full second half in the team’s 2-1 victory, though head coach Jose Mourinho indicated that he still needs to improve his fitness levels.
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Mourinho Evaluates Bernardo’s Fitness
Bernardo Silva in action for Real Madrid for the first time. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
After the match, Mourinho shared his insights with Real Madrid TV, candidly discussing Bernardo’s current physical condition, which he noted had been impacted by a recent holiday.
“Bernardo has not had minutes and has only had a couple of days of training. It’s very important, but the poor thing has had vacations.
“It is good for him not to do anything during the holidays and he has presented himself in a lower physical condition than he usually has and he has to grow, but he is a tremendous player,” Mourinho commented, referencing Diario SPORT.
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Mourinho balanced this critique with recognition of Bernardo’s skills and adaptability on the pitch.
“He gives us the ball out, he can play as a 6, as an 8. During the match I understood that he lacked physical strength and I put him in 10.
“It’s another position that Bernardo can play well. For a coach it is perfect to have someone who plays well in three or four positions,” he added.
Mourinho Calls for Additional Midfielder
Silva must get back to his full fitness. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Even with recent signings such as Yan Diomande, Bernardo, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espi, Mourinho expressed the need for another midfielder who can replicate Bernardo’s versatility.
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“We want a short squad, with 20 players plus the injured ones, which we have for some time, such as Rodrygo, Militao, Ferland (Mendy). We also need a player who can do what Bernardo does, which is play in different positions,” he noted.
This demand for reinforcements has intensified following Rodri’s move to Barcelona, which has created a pressing need for midfield reinforcements.
Real Madrid’s pre-season schedule includes two additional friendlies against Deportivo de A Coruna on August 12 and Schalke 04 on August 16, leading up to their LaLiga opener against Espanyol on August 22.
The status of another potential midfielder joining the squad remains uncertain, but Mourinho’s intentions are clear.
Real Madrid’s pre-season is in full swing, with Los Blancos recently playing out a friendly against Hungarian side Ferencvaros, a game that saw the debut of Bernardo Silva, among other players.
The Portuguese playmaker completed the full second half of the 2-1 win, but new coach Jose Mourinho was quick to point out that his compatriot is still some way short of full fitness.
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Mourinho points out Bernardo’s condition
Bernardo Silva in action for Real Madrid for the first time. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the game, Mourinho offered an honest assessment of Bernardo’s current physical state, noting the midfielder had only recently returned from his holidays.
“Bernardo has not had minutes and has only had a couple of days of training. It’s very important, but the poor thing has had vacations.
“It is good for him not to do anything during the holidays and he has presented himself in a lower physical condition than he usually has and he has to grow, but he is a tremendous player,” he said (h/t Diario SPORT).
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The gentle criticism was quickly sweetened, however, with Mourinho lavishing praise on Bernardo’s versatility and quality.
“He gives us the ball out, he can play as a 6, as an 8. During the match I understood that he lacked physical strength and I put him in 10.
“It’s another position that Bernardo can play well. For a coach it is perfect to have someone who plays well in three or four positions,” he added.
Mourinho wants another midfielder
Silva must get back to his full fitness. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Despite an active summer that has seen the likes of Yan Diomande, Bernardo, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espi arrive, the Portuguese made clear he wants another addition in the middle of the park, ideally one with Bernardo’s flexibility.
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“We want a short squad, with 20 players plus the injured ones, which we have for some time, such as Rodrygo, Militao, Ferland (Mendy). We also need a player who can do what Bernardo does, which is play in different positions,” he said.
That need has arguably been heightened by Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona rather than Real Madrid, a blow to a side crying out for reinforcements in that area.
For now, Real Madrid have two friendlies remaining, against Deportivo de A Coruna on August 12 and Schalke 04 on August 16, before opening their LaLiga campaign away at Espanyol on August 22.
Whether another midfielder walks through the door before then remains to be seen, but Mourinho has certainly made his stance clear.
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