League: LaLiga Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Scores & Results

Mourinho discusses squad challenges ahead of Real Madrid's opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 8:25 AM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Mourinho discusses squad challenges ahead of Real Madrid's opener

Summary

Jose Mourinho prepares for his first competitive match as Real Madrid manager against Espanyol in La Liga. Ahead of the match, he outlined the team's current condition, highlighting the challenges of integrating players like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham. Mourinho emphasized a need for silverware this season and acknowledged Espanyol's strong start under their stable management. He also addressed the squad's mixed fitness levels, noting that only Endrick is missing due to injury. Mourinho praised new signing Yan Diomande for his commitment while expressing optimism about resolving previous internal issues involving Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Real Madrid faces Espanyol in their La Liga opener on August 21.
•Mourinho emphasizes the need for silverware this season.
•Vinicius, Mbappe, and Bellingham are critical for success.
•Only Endrick is unavailable from the squad due to injury.
•Espanyol has started the season with three points and three goals scored.

Latest Updates

8:25 AMYahoo Sports — Mourinho talks Diomande, Tchouameni, Valverde, Vinicius, Mbappe, Bellingham, Khedira ahead of Espanyol vs Real Madrid

What they're saying

"
Jose Mourinho is not putting a perfect starting XI together before his first competitive game in charge of Real Madrid. He is putting together the best team available.That was the message from the Por...
— Yahoo Sports

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