Mourinho loses his battle with the Real Madrid dressing room
Despite solid results in La Liga, Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid is struggling to convince fans, with concerns growing over his authority and the team's defensive structure.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: George M. Groutas from Dali, Nicosia, Cyprus
The start of the season for Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho has been far from straightforward. While the team has managed five wins in their first six La Liga rounds, large sections of the fanbase remain unconvinced. The Portuguese manager appears calmer than he was in his first spell at the Bernabeu, a change that some observers believe has eroded the strict discipline and respect he once commanded.
A major point of frustration stems from the missed opportunity to sign Rodri. Sources indicate the coach was deeply disappointed when the Spanish captain opted for Barcelona after Real Madrid officials dragged their feet during negotiations with Manchester City. This failure has only added to the growing tension behind the scenes.
Tactically, the team is under scrutiny for its tendency to drop into a deep defensive block, a style that Mourinho himself has admitted is not his ideal approach. Despite his focus on tactical organization, the defense has proven vulnerable, with Thibaut Courtois frequently required to make miraculous saves to preserve results against teams like Real Betis and Inter Milan.
The relationship with key players remains a talking point. While Mourinho continues to back Vinicius Junior despite his poor form, the squad's overall commitment is questioned. With Kylian Mbappe appearing more focused on individual accolades, the upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid could prove to be a defining moment for Mourinho's second tenure.