League: LaLiga Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Transactions

Mourinho outlines potential Real Madrid XI ahead of La Liga season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 7:20 AM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Mourinho outlines potential Real Madrid XI ahead of La Liga season

Summary

Jose Mourinho has started to shape his Real Madrid starting XI for the upcoming La Liga season during pre-season training. A 4-2-3-1 formation is expected to be central to his tactics, with attacking spots solidified by Yan Diomande, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe. The midfield positions are more uncertain, with Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, and Aurelien Tchouameni vying for places. Defensive roles also remain competitive, particularly at center-back and right-back, as Mourinho evaluates his options before the opener against Espanyol.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Mourinho favors a 4-2-3-1 formation for Real Madrid.
•Diomande, Vinicius, Bellingham, and Mbappe are confirmed attackers.
•Midfield positions contested by Valverde, Silva, and Tchouameni.
•Defensive lineup includes Huijsen, Konate, and Cucurella.
•Real Madrid prepares for La Liga opener against Espanyol.

Latest Updates

7:20 AMYahoo Sports — Mourinho’s pre-season hints reveal potential Real Madrid starting XI for 2026/27 season

What they're saying

"
Jose Mourinho has had an excellent pre-season upon his return to Real Madrid, managing to instil numerous ideas over the past few weeks.The Portuguese tactician has been excellently backed by the boar...
— Yahoo Sports

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