José Mourinho has stated he would prefer to see Real Madrid players lose at the ongoing World Cup, prioritizing their swift return for pre-season training. The Portuguese manager revealed this during an appearance on the podcast ‘The Beast Mode’, hosted by former Wimbledon striker Adebayo Akinfenwa. When asked about his wishes for the tournament, Mourinho responded bluntly, stating he wants Real Madrid’s representatives to lose so they can begin their holidays sooner and be available for pre-season preparations.
Mourinho recently returned to Real Madrid as manager, replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabéu. His appointment marks a second spell in charge of the Spanish giants, having previously managed the club from 2010 to 2013, where he won a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey. The club is currently undergoing a period of rebuilding following a relatively quiet summer transfer window, and Mourinho’s focus is clearly on ensuring his squad is fully prepared for the upcoming season.
Real Madrid have a limited number of players participating in the World Cup compared to some other European powerhouses. This likely contributes to Mourinho’s seemingly callous remark, as the impact of a prolonged run for his players would be less significant than for clubs with a larger contingent in the tournament. The manager’s comments underscore his pragmatic and results-oriented approach, prioritizing the club’s immediate needs over national team success.
News from Spain also suggests Real Madrid are cooling their interest in Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, while reports indicate Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool is not a current target. The club is also reportedly revisiting the Negreira case with UEFA. Mourinho’s swift focus on pre-season preparation signals his intent to quickly implement his methods and establish his authority at the club, aiming to challenge for titles both domestically and in Europe.
