Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has warned forward trio Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham that defensive work will be non-negotiable this season.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga opener away against Espanyol on Saturday, August 22, the 63-year-old Portuguese coach insisted that all eleven players must defend when the team comes under pressure.
Mourinho faces the challenge of integrating French forward Mbappe, Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior and English midfielder Bellingham following a trophyless season for the Spanish capital club. Previous Real Madrid managers Carlo Ancelotti, Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso all struggled to get the three star players working together effectively.
The coach acknowledged that previous managers had established ideal setups for the players at international level, noting how Ancelotti utilized Vinicius with Brazil, Didier Deschamps managed Mbappe with France, and Thomas Tuchel deployed Bellingham for England. While Mourinho admitted finding a single tactical system to unlock all three stars simultaneously would be more challenging, he expressed confidence that they do not hold incompatible positions and predicted a successful season ahead.
Defensive duties and tactical expectations
Addressing concerns over the defensive commitment of his attacking stars, particularly Mbappe and Vinicius, Mourinho declared that defensive work was non-negotiable. He explained that while forward pressing duties may vary depending on the opponent and match scenario, the team must defend with all eleven players whenever opponents push Real Madrid back into their own half.
Mourinho added that individual roles would depend on the match situation, requiring some players to press aggressively while others close down space.
The Portuguese manager, a two-time Champions League winner with Porto and Real Madrid, returned to the club after previously coaching the side between 2010 and 2013. His arrival has been welcomed by Mbappe, who expressed confidence in Mourinho's track record and stated his certainty that the team will win titles under his leadership.
Recent controversies and squad context
Mourinho's return to the Spanish capital comes alongside recent touchline controversy, including a match expulsion after he was insulted, became enraged, and fired at opposing coaches.
The squad dynamic also follows recent incidents involving Vinicius Junior, who received support from manager Vincent Kompany after suffering racial abuse, with Kompany questioning what Black players have had to endure and addressing Mourinho directly on the issue.
Real Madrid begin their league campaign on Saturday against Espanyol, with Mourinho hoping to guide the team back to former glory.
