Real Madrid trust Mourinho’s transfer judgement after Rodri chooses Barcelona

Real Madrid remain fully aligned with Jose Mourinho despite missing out on Spain midfielder Rodri, with the club’s hierarchy confident in the Portuguese manager’s transfer plans and working relationship.

Reports in some media circles have suggested tension between Mourinho and the club’s leadership after the failure to sign Rodri. However, according to Spanish newspaper AS, there is complete understanding between the manager and Real Madrid’s senior officials since his return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Communication between Mourinho and the club has remained open and direct, particularly with sporting director Jose Angel Sanchez and his assistant Juni Calafat. That relationship was established during a decisive meeting at the Santo Mauro hotel in Madrid in late April, when president Florentino Perez concluded that bringing Mourinho back was the best option to lead the club’s sporting project.

Mourinho has been allowed to work under conditions he prefers, including a broad role in identifying potential signings and setting out the squad’s requirements. He has not made unreasonable demands of the club, instead presenting his footballing vision from the outset in an atmosphere described as being built on mutual respect and complete trust.

Several recruitment issues were discussed during meetings between the three parties. Those talks included Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva’s versatility, the possibility of strengthening central defence and midfield, and the need to add greater pace to the attack.

None of those discussions was marked by a moment of tension, the report said.

Rodri emerged as one of the names considered, particularly after his impressive display at the most recent World Cup. Those involved recognised that the midfielder could have been a valuable addition to Real Madrid, but he eventually opted for Barcelona’s offer.

Real Madrid did not reach a final agreement with either Rodri or his club Manchester City. In fact, serious negotiations with Manchester City never took place.

The club’s board accepted the outcome, as did Mourinho, who has not attempted to create a crisis. The manager is aware that three weeks remain before the summer transfer window closes and that staff at the Valdebebas training complex are continuing to work as hard as possible to assemble a squad capable of challenging for every major honour.

Mourinho had himself argued at the Santo Mauro meeting that Real Madrid should pursue Bernardo Silva. He told the club that the Portugal international could operate as an attacking midfielder, an assessment that appeared to be justified two months later when Silva became one of the key players in the team.

Rodri’s failed move does not mean Real Madrid have abandoned the possibility of signing another midfielder. The position will remain under review until the transfer window shuts on 31 August.

At present, however, Mourinho and the club’s sporting department do not believe the market contains a player with exceptional enough qualities to justify a major investment. Their assessment is that the available options, including Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni, are capable of forming a strong midfield partnership.

The club is also waiting for greater clarity over Eduardo Camavinga, who has faced criticism for his performances.

Mourinho has established his own rules at the training ground, introducing a strict system and insisting on full control of the daily environment in a way that reflects his management philosophy. The manager is said to be happy with what he regards as a return to his true home.

He has also made a point of being completely clear with every member of the squad. That approach is appreciated even by players who are unlikely to feature in his plans once the transfer window closes.

Mourinho’s method is based on direct conversation rather than anger or confrontation, while everyone at Real Madrid understands that more difficult moments will arrive when the pressure of competitive matches begins in earnest.