Dean Huijsen says Real Madrid have improved ‘a lot’ under Jose Mourinho

Dean Huijsen says Real Madrid have made significant progress since last season but must continue working to reach the level they are aiming for.

The defender was speaking to the media while attending a Formula race at the Madrid circuit, according to Spanish outlet Defensa Central. His comments also appeared to reflect the changes made since Jose Mourinho returned as head coach.

“I think we have improved a lot compared with last season, and we have to continue. We have to keep working,” Huijsen said.

“It is clear that we will never reach perfection because there is always room for improvement, but we just have to keep going.”

Huijsen did not directly criticise Xabi Alonso or Alvaro Arbeloa, the two coaches who led Real Madrid during last season. However, his comparison between the current campaign and the previous one has been interpreted as an indirect message to both managers, particularly as praise for Mourinho’s work has increased since his return to the club.

The Portuguese coach appears to have brought about a clear change within the dressing room through his high standards, clarity of thought and ability to manage the group.

Those qualities have helped the players regain confidence in the club’s project and compete strongly for honours.

Huijsen has also emerged as one of the main beneficiaries of the change. He has become an important part of Mourinho’s plans, with the manager showing increasing confidence in the defender and relying on him more regularly in the backline.

The increased role comes as Real Madrid’s overall level continues to develop, although Huijsen stressed that the team still has considerable room for improvement.