The last time Real Madrid did not win any major title for two consecutive seasons (2008-2010), they avoided the Galacticos and brought in Jose Mourinho, who built the team from behind.
So after the last two trophyless seasons, they brought back Mourinho.
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This means very conservative tactics, as well as a large number of centre-backs and outside backs, something that would normally excite the madridistas.
But even a star-studded offense doesn’t succeed without a strong, veteran backfield.
Hello then, Mark Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate. But Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez did not forget to score goals.
Him too Order selection added and Bernardo Silva To an attack that includes Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, along with Brahim Diaz, Indrik, Arda Guler and Rodrigo.
Regardless of recent failures, Real Madrid remains ambitious. Los Blancos expect to compete for the Champions League and Spanish League titles.
Perez will not easily surrender to Paris Saint-Germain’s newfound superiority in the Champions League, or Barcelona’s attempt to achieve the Spanish League treble.
Real Madrid tops the Champions League table with 15 titles, and has won the Spanish League 36 times, seven times more than Barcelona.
Al Jazeera takes a look at the key questions ahead of Real Madrid’s new season.
Second time’s the charm at Real Madrid for Jose Mourinho?
Mourinho’s first stint with Real Madrid came after a two-year drought, and the solution kind of worked. The Portuguese won the Spanish League once, and reached the Champions League semi-finals three times from 2011 to 2013.
Improvement, but not what the Real Madrid were looking for when Mourinho arrived on the heels of winning the 2010 Champions League with Inter Milan.
these days, Mourinho shares He hasn’t quite bounced back, and is still searching for another Champions League success. But after last season’s coaching failure – in which Xavi Alonso was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa midway through the season – Perez appears to be hoping that conservatism and discipline will bring out the best in La Liga’s most expensive squad.
Pre-season has provided a preview of Mourinho’s football, with Real Madrid winning the Trofeo Teresa Herrera last week. Therefore, Los Blancos achieved a rather huge trophy, although it is not a huge trophy.
The 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna was classified as a pre-season friendly, with 19 substitutions. However, they were playing to win at all costs, judging by Antonio Rudiger’s first-half check that sent Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang flying.
A good transfer deal for Real Madrid?
The madridistas expected the arrival of high-profile signings, such as Alessandro Bastoni, Achraf Hakimi, Michael Olise, or Vitinha – let alone that. Rhodri. That hasn’t happened, but the newcomers are offering upgrades that could make a difference.
Cucurella, who replaces Ferland Mendy, brings guile and tactical savvy, supporting Vinicius Junior on the left. He also happens to be the only one at Real Madrid World Cup winner With the Spanish national team.
Dumfries may not compare to Hakimi, but he does offer an alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Dutch defender is a reliable right-back, having won the Serie A title twice and reached the Champions League final twice with Inter.
Silva contributes with composure, and his ability to stabilize the midfield fills a need that has been lacking since the departure of Luka Modric. Konate offers physicality and recovery ability at centre-back, and could compete with Den Huysen and Rudiger for a starting place.
Diomande rose to prominence with Red Bull Leipzig and played a starring role with Ivory Coast in the World Cup. Diomandi was ‘discovered’ in North Florida in the United States by Leganés last year, after being passed over in MLS trials.
He has secured a transfer worth €125 million ($144.5 million) that could be considered exorbitant, with rivals retreating from the scene, leaving Real Madrid to make a bid against themselves. Real Madrid are hoping the investment in Diomande will pay off, as he resembles a younger, dynamic version of Vinicius Junior, and can play on either wing.
No. 9 for Real Madrid, anyone?
Endrick wears number 9, but he doesn’t fit the image of a crippled striker. Neither has Mbappé, although he has made the position his own. Endrik (20 years old) failed to meet expectations after arriving for 47.5 million euros ($54.9 million) from Palmeiras. He ended up on loan to Olympique Lyonnais, scoring five goals, including a hat-trick against Metz.
At 6ft 4in, Carlos Espe represents Mourinho’s concept of the No.9 role. The 21-year-old lacks experience but showed promise for Levante, where he scored 11 goals last season.
However, Perez is sticking by his investment in Endrick. Last year, he allowed Nico Paz to go to Como, and this year, Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham.
Two brilliant players, but not enough goals?
Few can match Mbappe’s ability to stretch defenses and finish off attacks.
Last season, Mbappé scored 42 goals, in addition to 10 more goals for France in the World Cup. But should Mbappe be a lone striker, or should he break down defenses on the wing?
As for Vinicius Junior, his effectiveness on the left wing is indisputable. The problem was taking advantage of the talent of Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Despite Mbappe’s goal-scoring explosion, Real Madrid’s total goals in La Liga fell from 87 goals in the 2023-24 season to 78 goals the following season and 77 goals last season.
In the past, Mourinho’s strikers have sacrificed goal scoring in order to focus on defence. It’s not exactly what Mbappe or Vinicius Junior signed up for, but Mbappe indicated he was ready to continue the program in an interview with Real Madrid TV. Mbappe said Mourinho is “a coach who knows how to win.”
Is it time for Bellingham to go on the offensive?
As a 20-year-old, fresh from Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham scored 10 goals in his first 12 La Liga appearances in 2023. Bellingham’s scoring stopped after that, and he was dropped into a complementary role in midfield. But after the World Cup, perhaps Bellingham will reassert himself as an attacking midfielder.
While performing for England, Bellingham ignited the attack, driving through midfield, setting up his teammates, and also converting seven goals. He also showed leadership qualities, rallying the team in difficult circumstances in Mexico City and leading the comeback against Norway.
Bellingham has plenty of support in midfield at Real Madrid, where he plays alongside Aurelien Chouamini and Federico Valverde. But will Mourinho allow Bellingham to move forward at will, as he did before Mbappe’s arrival, or will he think about defending first?
What about Arda Guler?
Guler has been a starter since the opening game of last season. His 51 appearances were second with the team after Vinicius Junior, who participated in 53 matches. Guler is expected to be a starter this season. However, Silva’s arrival could mean a reduction in playing time.
Mourinho prefers experienced players, and also appears to be on a wave with Silva, partly due to their Portuguese backgrounds. Güler can be amazing, dribbling past opponents and igniting the attack. But the threat of a reduced role has led to reports that Guler is considering a return to Fenerbahce.
