Madrid coach assesses new signing’s physical condition after debut
Mourinho’s assessment of Bernardo Silva’s debut
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has commented on the physical condition of new signing Bernardo Silva following his first appearance for the club. Silva made his unofficial debut during Real Madrid’s 2-1 pre-season victory against Ferencváros in Budapest. Mourinho indicated that the Portuguese midfielder is not yet at his usual physical standard after his summer break.
Silva joined Real Madrid on a free transfer earlier this summer after his contract with Manchester City expired. He came on at half-time, replacing Brahim Díaz, and played for 48 minutes. Initially, he operated in a deeper midfield role before Mourinho moved him to the No. 10 position during the match.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Mourinho explained that Silva is still working to regain full fitness. He noted that Silva had not accumulated many minutes on the field and had only a few days of training. Mourinho mentioned that Silva’s approach to vacations involves completely disconnecting, which resulted in him returning in a lower physical condition than usual. Despite this, Mourinho expressed no doubts about the quality Silva possesses, describing him as a “tremendous player” who needs to improve his physical state.
Mourinho also elaborated on the tactical decision to move Silva further forward in the second half. He explained that Silva provides good ball distribution and can play as a No. 6 or No. 8. Recognizing Silva’s lack of physical strength during the game, Mourinho positioned him at No. 10, highlighting that this is another role Silva can perform well. The coach values players who can perform effectively in multiple positions, stating that it is “perfect” to have someone who can play well in three or four roles.
Silva’s focus on match fitness
Despite the public comments regarding his fitness, Bernardo Silva described joining Real Madrid as an opportunity he could not decline. The Portugal international conveyed his pride in wearing the club’s shirt. His immediate focus is on building his physical rhythm and regaining full match sharpness in preparation for the new season.
Silva’s priority is to achieve optimal physical condition before Real Madrid begins their La Liga campaign. Their first league match is an away fixture against Espanyol later this month.
Mourinho’s midfield plans and versatility
Real Madrid has made several significant additions this summer, including Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espí. However, Mourinho has indicated a desire for another versatile midfielder to further strengthen the squad.
Mourinho aims for a compact squad of 20 players, in addition to those currently injured, such as Rodrygo, Militão, and Ferland Mendy. He emphasized the need for a player capable of performing in various positions, similar to Silva’s versatility. This desire has reportedly intensified after Rodri chose to join Barcelona instead of Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.
The starting midfield trio for Mourinho in three pre-season matches against Leganés, Fiorentina, and Ferencváros has been Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler. With Silva now in the squad, and Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni nearing their return after post-World Cup breaks, Mourinho anticipates having more options available. Before their league campaign commences, Real Madrid has upcoming pre-season fixtures against Deportivo La Coruña and Schalke 04.
Mourinho’s comments, while highlighting Silva’s need to improve physically, also underscored the reasons behind the club’s pursuit of the experienced midfielder: his versatility and tactical intelligence, qualities highly valued by the new Real Madrid coach.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
