Valverde says Mourinho’s demanding style is helping Real Madrid grow

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde says he has been surprised by Jose Mourinho’s personality since working with the manager, describing him as approachable, demanding and committed to helping his players improve.

Valverde was speaking to reporters at the Groupama Arena in Budapest after Real Madrid’s 2-1 friendly win over Ferencvarosi. He said his first days alongside Mourinho had challenged his expectations of the Portuguese coach.

“I did not expect manager Jose Mourinho to be like this during the days I have spent with him,” Valverde said.

The Uruguay international explained that Mourinho’s relationship with the squad was closer than he had anticipated, while acknowledging the manager could also be tough with his players.

“Mourinho is close to the players. In the end, he is someone who is naturally with us through his personality. Sometimes he is tough, but I think that is the way that can make someone develop. I like his way of dealing with us, and the way he deals with me.”

Valverde’s praise was not limited to his new manager. He also spoke positively about Bernardo Silva, describing the midfielder as a player he had admired while facing him as an opponent.

“Bernardo Silva is magical, funny and cheerful, and he has integrated well with the whole team. He is a great player whom I have always admired when he was a rival, and today we are able to have him with us,” said Valverde.

The Real Madrid captain was also asked about Rodri, the Manchester City player who rejected an offer from Real Madrid and preferred a move to Barcelona.

“Rodri’s decision? I speak for myself, and I focus only on the club and my team-mates,” Valverde replied.

His comments came after a match in which Real Madrid continued working on Mourinho’s ideas despite being without a number of players. Valverde said the squad was gradually making progress and trying to meet the new manager’s expectations.

“We are trying to do what the manager wants and apply his ideas. There are a lot of absent players, but we are improving little by little anyway,” he said.

Valverde added that he was making the most of the opportunity to learn from Mourinho and his coaching staff.

“I am enjoying having Mourinho with us here a lot, and as I said in an interview, I am trying to learn from him and benefit as much as possible from every day I train with him and his coaching staff.”

The midfielder also outlined the responsibility he feels while wearing the Real Madrid captain’s armband. He said his priority was to create a positive atmosphere within the dressing room and ensure every member of the squad felt comfortable.

“I take on a great responsibility by wearing the captain’s armband. I try to make every player in the dressing room happy, to make them feel comfortable, and to ensure they have positive energy.”