Valverde Lauds New Signing Amid Mourinho's Fitness Critique

WHO:

SportsTak - Federico Valverde, Real Madrid captain, provided an early assessment of Jose Mourinho.

Sportskeeda - Fede Valverde, captain of Real Madrid

Daily Mail Sports - Jose Mourinho, manager who returned to Real Madrid

WHAT:

SportsTak - Valverde stated, “I did NOT expect Mourinho to be like this. He’s very close to us. Sometimes he’s hard, but I think that’s what can make you improve.”

Sportskeeda - Real Madrid signed Bernardo Silva on a free transfer.

Daily Mail Sports - Mourinho criticized Bernardo Silva's fitness, stating he "doesn't do any work" while on holiday.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - Santiago Bernabeu, home stadium of Real Madrid.

Daily Mail Sports - Bernabeu, referring to Mourinho's return to the stadium.

WHEN:

SportsTak - Mourinho returned to Real Madrid in June 2026 for a second spell in charge.

Daily Mail Sports - Mourinho returned to the Bernabeu "earlier this summer," indicating a timeframe but not a specific date.

WHY:

SportsTak - The appointment of Mourinho is part of a significant overhaul at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Daily Mail Sports - Mourinho's critique of Silva's fitness is implied to be due to concerns about his preparation for the season.

HOW:

Sportskeeda - Silva arrived at Real Madrid after a near decade-long stay with Manchester City.

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde has shared his thoughts on Jose Mourinho, who returned to the club in June 2026 for a second spell in charge. Valverde expressed surprise at Mourinho's approach, saying, “I did NOT expect Mourinho to be like this. He’s very close to us. Sometimes he’s hard, but I think that’s what can make you improve.” This appointment is part of a significant overhaul at the Santiago Bernabeu.