Mourinho backs Eduardo Camavinga to revive Real Madrid career

Reports that Eduardo Camavinga could leave Real Madrid this summer have been eased after new manager Jose Mourinho gave the France midfielder his backing ahead of the transfer window closing tonight.

Spanish newspaper Marca says Camavinga still has an important role to play as he prepares to begin his sixth season with Real Madrid. His future had been questioned after a disappointing campaign, with the midfielder reportedly considered as one of the players who could be sold to reduce the club’s financial burden.

However, Camavinga never considered leaving the club, according to the report, and Mourinho’s arrival in the dugout has offered him further reassurance. The Portuguese manager has included him in his plans, giving the 23-year-old a platform to prove his value.

Camavinga’s summer did not begin positively. He was left out of Didier Deschamps’ squad for the World Cup, although the omission allowed him to join Real Madrid’s pre-season training earlier than expected. That early arrival helped him become one of Mourinho’s leading options in a midfield short of players.

The Frenchman started three of the club’s four friendly matches and was named among the substitutes only for the final game.

His performances, however, were inconsistent. Camavinga produced encouraging spells but also disappointing moments within the same match, creating doubts about whether he could deliver consistently at the required level.

That pattern changed against Malaga. He made only a small number of mistakes and finally produced the kind of performance expected of him, making the match a potentially significant turning point in his preparations.

Mourinho played a major part in that response. The manager offered Camavinga his support after the Malaga match and praised him strongly during a news conference.

“Camavinga, a player who is not very popular, played a great match. I am extremely happy with his performance,” said Mourinho.

With Real Madrid’s squad expected to remain largely unchanged, Camavinga should have more opportunities than appeared likely at the end of last season.

The club’s summer business has left the midfield structure broadly balanced. Bernardo Silva has arrived to replace Dani Ceballos, but the overall number of midfielders has not increased. That should allow playing time to be shared more evenly and give each player opportunities to feature.

Camavinga’s task will be to make the most of the qualities that set him apart. His ability to cover large areas of the pitch, win possession back and carry the ball forward makes him a valuable option for Real Madrid.

If he can maintain the standard he showed against Malaga, Camavinga has the attributes to become a regular starter under Mourinho. The Portuguese manager has long had a reputation for bringing the best out of players whose potential has not always been fully realised.

After a summer in which his place at Real Madrid appeared uncertain, Camavinga now has a clear opportunity to establish himself in Mourinho’s team.