Mourinho discovers fresh optimism as Real Madrid quartet accelerate their return

Real Madrid completed their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 victory over Schalke, but it was the attitude of four returning players that provided Jose Mourinho with an unexpected source of encouragement before the new campaign.

The Spanish giants can now turn their attention to the opening game of La Liga, when they face Espanyol next Saturday. They finished their preparations unbeaten, while the early signs for Mourinho have been highly positive despite the fact that he was unable to work with his full squad until only a few days ago.

Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, Marc Cucurella and Jude Bellingham were among those who joined the group late. All four, however, shortened their holidays and arrived at Valdebebas ahead of the date scheduled for their return.

Their decision made a strong impression on Mourinho, who has been keen to underline publicly the players’ commitment to the team. The Portuguese manager also praised their application in comments to Real Madrid’s official channel.

“I am happy with those who arrived late. It is not easy to come straight into a high level of intensity like the one we work at. It is not easy for them to take part in a double training session in the morning and evening, because they train with the group in the morning and, in the afternoon, with the small group that has just arrived,” he said.

According to Defensa Central, Mourinho has expressed the same view inside the club. He is understood to have been particularly impressed by the professionalism of the squad and the high level of responsibility shown by the four players after watching them take their first minutes of the pre-season.

The cases of Mbappe, Courtois, Cucurella and Bellingham have taken on added significance because each of them returned to Valdebebas before they were required to report for group training. Their early arrival meant they cut into their own rest period in order to prepare for the demands of the new season.

Mourinho reportedly highlighted the decision to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and also discussed it with his coaching staff. He regards the players’ willingness to return early as a clear indication of their sense of duty and responsibility.

The manager’s assessment is not based solely on their footballing ability. Mourinho has also focused on the desire and enthusiasm they displayed when they rejoined the squad. Those qualities, the report says, exceeded even his expectations and came as a particularly welcome surprise with the competitive campaign now only days away.

Mourinho is aware of the scale of the challenge facing him during his second spell in charge of Real Madrid. The club’s unbeaten preparation and the response of key players have nevertheless allowed him to send a message of confidence and excitement to supporters before the serious competition begins.