Mourinho’s four key decisions behind Real Madrid’s eight-game winning run

Real Madrid have won eight consecutive matches in all competitions, with the club’s players operating as a more cohesive unit than they have for several years.

According to journalist Manolo Lama, the transformation is the result of four decisions made by manager Jose Mourinho. Speaking alongside Juanma Castano on the radio programme El Tertulion on COPE, Lama said Mourinho had “got four decisions right” and “mastered them completely”.

Valverde’s new role

The first was Mourinho’s decision to use Federico Valverde at right-back.

Lama said the Portuguese manager played a decisive part in persuading Valverde to accept the position, despite the Uruguay international having previously admitted he did not enjoy playing there.

What initially appeared to be a punishment has instead become an important tactical weapon. Valverde provides defensive balance, physical strength and attacking runs from deep, while his performances have made him one of Real Madrid’s most valuable options in major matches.

Silva and Guler together

The second decision was to field Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler together.

Lama described the move as a turning point for Real Madrid’s attacking play. With both players on the pitch, the team has two creative influences in midfield who can make a difference in the final third, link the lines and exert greater control over the tempo.

That partnership has also provided solutions against teams that defend deeply, an area where Real Madrid had previously struggled.

Mourinho’s relationship with Vinicius

Lama’s third point was Mourinho’s “successful start” in his relationship with Vinicius Junior.

The Brazil forward is currently serving a four-match suspension after being sent off against Villarreal. Although his absence has deprived Real Madrid of their most prominent player in recent weeks, Lama said Mourinho’s approach to him from the outset had been significant.

The manager gave Vinicius confidence and freedom while also demanding that he respect the collective structure. That balance helped the player produce some of his best performances and become more mature in dealing with pressure and provocation.

The collective effort

For Lama, however, Mourinho’s fourth decision was the most important and the achievement that sets him apart from other managers.

He said Mourinho had “convinced ten players in the team that they must work collectively for the team to succeed”, adding: “It is fine if the striker does not run, but the other ten players must run.”

Lama said that was the Portuguese manager’s real accomplishment. He also stressed the difference between one player failing to run during a match and two players failing to do so.

That balance has allowed Real Madrid to function as a unified team rather than simply a collection of stars. Mourinho has changed more than the line-up: he has changed the mentality, persuading leading players to make sacrifices and substitutes that they remain important.

Every player understands their role and works for their team-mates. If that progress continues, the current run of eight successive victories could be only the beginning of a larger story under Mourinho in Madrid.