Jose Mourinho warns Real Madrid stars that 'the real work' begins next week after Deportivo victory

Real Madrid continued their preparations for the upcoming campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor. The result secured the Trofeo Teresa Herrera for the tenth time in the club's history, marking their first appearance in the traditional tournament since 2013. Brahim Diaz proved to be the difference-maker, finishing a swift move just before the halftime whistle.

Speaking after the match, manager Jose Mourinho emphasized the importance of treating the friendly with respect given the history of the opposition. The performance offered Mourinho valuable insights into how his team will handle the defensive blocks they are likely to encounter throughout the domestic season.

We’ll have many games like this in La Liga, and we won it without running it into the ground. You know the five who are at Valdebebas. And next week, the real work begins. Jose Mourinho

Managing player fitness remained a priority for the coaching staff. Against Deportivo, Mourinho made significant changes, with key players like Federico Valverde and Arda Guler playing only 45 minutes. The manager noted that the focus at this stage of the summer remains on tactical experimentation rather than individual endurance tests.

The fixture was deliberately chosen to increase the level of competition for the squad. Mourinho has been heavily involved in planning a schedule that ensures a gradual crescendo in difficulty, aiming to have his players battle-hardened by the time the first three points of the season are on the line.