Mourinho’s authority questioned as Real Madrid’s dressing-room problems persist

Real Madrid’s strong start under Jose Mourinho has failed to convince a large section of supporters, despite five wins from their opening six La Liga matches.

According to a report by Sport, the club remain trapped in the same cycle that contributed to Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Xabi Alonso’s dismissal and Alvaro Arbeloa’s brief spell in charge.

The report described a squad “arrogant with its stars”, claiming the club president had given them enough influence to disregard their managers’ instructions. It also said the dressing room was dominated by egos and lacked leaders.

Mourinho once controlled Real Madrid through his personality, intensity and discipline, but Sport argued that neither the club nor the Portuguese coach is the same as in 2010. Seven matches – six in La Liga and one in the Champions League – have reportedly been enough to convince supporters that little has changed.

At 63, Mourinho is portrayed as a calmer figure who has become a determined defender of what many regard as Vinicius’ poorest form at Santiago Bernabeu. At the same time, he has appeared less enthusiastic in press conferences about Arda Guler, the player described as the one who makes the team function most naturally, despite being lower in the pecking order than Vinicius.

Sources inside the club say Rodri’s move to Barcelona was a major blow to Mourinho. The manager spoke twice to the Spain captain, who won the World Cup, and initially believed his arrival was certain because of their immediate understanding. However, Real Madrid’s slow negotiations with Manchester City allowed Barcelona to win the player’s preference.

Sport said the 2026-27 side was repeating the mistakes of the team that had failed to win a trophy for two seasons. Mourinho had promised a more victorious Real Madrid, but suffered an early defeat by Real Betis in Seville and has offered no clear footballing identity.

Although he called for a hungrier team, Real Madrid have often retreated into a deep defensive block and relied on counter-attacks. Mourinho admitted at Valdebebas that this frustrated him. Against Inter Milan, his side waited for the final whistle at Bernabeu after winning through major errors by the Italian team and outstanding saves from Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid have conceded to Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Real Betis, Inter Milan, Rayo Vallecano and Elche, keeping only one clean sheet against Malaga. Courtois has been required to make decisive saves in every match.

Mourinho celebrated Vinicius winning possession “as if it were a goal”, saying: “Anyone who gives everything cannot be asked to give more.” The Brazilian has played 511 minutes, second only to Kylian Mbappe, but has scored once in six games. Mourinho said of Mbappe: “A player who scores 40 goals cannot be a problem.”

The team have also repeatedly eased off after taking control. Real Betis recovered after Real Madrid missed chances, while Espanyol, Elche and Inter Milan also threatened after half-time. Espanyol were eventually beaten by Carlos Espejel’s stoppage-time goal.

Sport said Mourinho had hinted that Real Betis supporters backed their team for 90 minutes rather than jeering it, a message aimed at the Bernabeu crowd. He also warned after the Elche match that missed first-half chances could have settled the contest.

Real Madrid now approach the derby as a possible turning point. The fear Mourinho once commanded has apparently become respect, while the stars continue to influence events. Vinicius even appeared to assume on social media that he would play at Metropolitano after a poor display against Elche.

“There are many reasons not to select him,” the report concluded, “but the current Mourinho is no longer the Mourinho of the past.”