‘Step by step’ – Jose Mourinho reveals Yan Diomande plan after Real Madrid beat Inter Milan

Jose Mourinho has urged patience with record signing Yan Diomande after the 19-year-old Ivorian was again introduced from the bench during Real Madrid’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

The teenage forward was once more denied a starting role as Mourinho carefully manages his introduction to life at the Santiago Bernabeu following his big-money move to the Spanish giants.

Diomande featured as a substitute against Inter, with Mourinho opting for a more cautious approach despite growing calls for the highly rated Ivorian to be handed his first start.

Mourinho calls for patience

Mourinho explained that Diomande needs time to adapt after arriving at Real Madrid late in pre-season without sufficient training under his new coach.

“Yan Diomande? We have to go step by step with him.

“He arrived in the last days of preseason, without any training sessions… so we must go step by step with him.”

The Portuguese coach’s comments underline his determination not to rush the youngster, who is expected to play a significant role as the season progresses.

Diomande’s limited involvement comes despite the pressure surrounding his record transfer and the considerable expectations that have followed his arrival in Madrid.

Real Madrid respond in Europe

Real Madrid responded strongly to their first defeat of the campaign by overcoming Inter Milan at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Mourinho’s side had suffered a 1-0 loss away to Real Betis in their previous outing, ending their perfect league start under the returning Portuguese manager.

They quickly put that disappointment behind them in Europe, taking control of the Champions League encounter through early goals from Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde.

Inter, the reigning Serie A champions, pulled one back, but Real Madrid held on to secure three valuable points in their European opener.

Mourinho had been forced into two changes to his starting XI, with Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler unavailable through suspension. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Diaz were brought into the team, while Diomande again had to settle for a place among the substitutes.

Diomande’s next chance awaits

For now, Mourinho appears determined to follow a gradual development plan with the Ivorian teenager rather than expose him to unnecessary pressure.

The next opportunity for Diomande to make his mark will come when Real Madrid return to domestic action against Rayo Vallecano at home on September 12.