Valdano highlights collective responsibility as Mourinho’s Real Madrid face Real Betis

Jorge Valdano believes Jose Mourinho is placing particular emphasis on players understanding and carrying out their responsibilities as Real Madrid prepare to face Real Betis in La Liga on Friday evening.

The match will be played at La Cartuja, with Real Madrid looking to maintain their perfect winning record after the opening three rounds of the Spanish league season. However, they are expected to face a demanding test against an Andalusian side unlikely to give them anything easily on home ground.

Mourinho said during his pre-match news conference that he wanted to see the best version of his players, with that level of performance giving Real Madrid a stronger chance of preserving their 100% start.

Valdano, a former Real Madrid player and one of the club’s most prominent figures, has identified what he believes could prove decisive against Real Betis. He also pointed to the area where Mourinho is doing the most important work with his squad.

Speaking to Movistar, in comments reported by Defensa Central, Valdano said: “I have the impression that Mourinho is working very effectively on the players’ responsibilities.”

He added: “The talent is there, and if the responsibilities are worked on, it becomes much easier for the team to maintain its focus throughout the match.”

Valdano also praised the way Real Madrid’s pressing could help unite the side, saying: “Starting from the pressure, everyone seemed more connected and inspired.”

His comments echo Mourinho’s own message after Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Espanyol. The Portuguese manager said after that game that he would need every member of his squad if the club were to recover the competitiveness it had lost and challenge for all available honours.

Mourinho said: “I cannot perform a miracle and start a match with 14 or 15 players. They are the ones who have to deal with the frustration of not starting the match or not playing, and they are the ones who have to understand that I feel torn inside when I have to leave some players out. If they do not work or lose their motivation, it is very easy for me to keep certain players out of the squad.”

The manager went on to stress the standards he expects from the entire group.

“Real Madrid cannot allow itself not to fight for victory. We will lose matches, and I hope there will not be many, but Real Madrid must approach four competitions seriously, and we cannot do that with 10 players, 11, 12 or 15 players. We need this squad. That is what I expect from them: professionalism and the desire to work for the team.”

That was the central message Mourinho reinforced at his news conference: every player must contribute throughout the season if Real Madrid are to compete consistently on all fronts.