Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has sent a message to his players ahead of their LaLiga opener against Espanyol, warning them of his selection decisions. The Portuguese tactician is set to take charge of his first game in the league this weekend, having replaced Alvaro Arbeloa this summer.
Mourinho spoke at his traditional pre-match press conference, explaining that he would have to make some tough calls in selecting the players that would play each game. He advised them to come to terms with the reality of not playing every game, urging them to learn how to deal with such moments of frustration.
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“I was talking to the players about how there will be a moment of frustration for many of them because it will be the first time I have to choose, and one will start while another goes to the bench and feels frustrated. They have to process it individually and as a group. I can’t start a match with 15. Only eleven can play. I expect it will be difficult because they’re working the way they are. The day someone’s level drops due to frustration, the decision will be easy for me. The team has to know how to get through moments of frustration,” he said.
Jose Mourinho has some of the world’s best players at his disposal at the Bernabeu, as he looks to lead the club to silverware this term. He has multiple world-class players in each position on the pitch, and will have headaches every time he has to select his XI.
Real Madrid have broken their transfer record to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig this summer, also bringing in Carlos Espi in attack. They have also signed Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Marc Cucurella this summer.
Real Madrid set to be without striker for Espanyol clash
Real Madrid will be without striker Endrick for their first LaLiga game of the 2026-27 season. The Brazil international has been ruled out of the game through injury, having complained of a muscle problem.
Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho has informed reporters in his press conference that the 20-year-old will not be part of the squad for the game against Espanyol. According to Mourinho, the problem is a minor one that will not keep him out for a prolonged spell.
Endrick returned from a fruitful loan at Olympique Lyon this summer, and scored once in pre-season. He has been linked with another loan move, but is set to remain an option for Mourinho this season.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen