Real Madrid last endured two straight seasons without a major trophy between 2008 and 2010, and their response then was to shelve the Galactico approach and hire Jose Mourinho to construct the team from the back. After another pair of trophyless campaigns, the club has repeated that move, bringing Mourinho back to the Bernabeu.
That decision points to ultra-conservative tactics and a reinforced defence made up of central defenders and outside backs, which is not normally the sort of news that excites Madridistas. But even the most star-studded attack cannot thrive without a dependable, veteran back line.
The new arrivals include Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate. Club president Florentino Perez has not ignored the scoring side either, adding Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva to a forward group that already features Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz, Endrick, Arda Guler and Rodrygo.
Recent failures have not dimmed Real Madrid’s ambition. Los Blancos expect to challenge for both the Champions League title and La Liga, and Perez is not willing to concede ground to Paris Saint-Germain’s new Champions League dominance or Barcelona’s push for a third consecutive league crown. Real Madrid remain the Champions League record holders with 15 titles and have won La Liga 36 times, seven more than Barca.
Mourinho’s first spell in Madrid came after that previous two-year trophy drought, and the solution produced mixed results. The Portuguese won La Liga once and guided the team to three Champions League semifinals between 2011 and 2013. That was an improvement, though not exactly what the Merengues had in mind when he joined fresh from collecting the 2010 Champions League with Inter Milan.
Mourinho’s reputation has not soared since then, and he is still chasing another Champions League success. But after last season’s coaching upheaval, in which Xavi Alonso was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa mid-season, Perez appears to be banking on conservatism and discipline to get the best out of the most expensive roster in La Liga.
The preseason offered an early look at Mourinho-ball. Real Madrid won the Trofeo Teresa Herrera last week, lifting a bulky trophy even if it was not a major one. The 1-0 victory over Deportivo A Coruna was officially a friendly and featured 19 substitutions, yet the intent to win at all costs was clear when Antonio Rudiger delivered a first-half hip-check that sent Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang flying.
Supporters had hoped for a marquee signing such as Alessandro Bastoni, Achraf Hakimi, Michael Olise, Vitinha or Rodri. Those names did not materialise, but the newcomers still provide upgrades that could prove decisive.
Cucurella has replaced Ferland Mendy and adds guile and tactical awareness while supporting Vinicius Junior on the left. He also happens to be Real Madrid’s only World Cup winner with Spain’s national team. Dumfries may not match Hakimi, but he offers a different option to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Dutch right back is dependable and physical, having won two Serie A scudetti and reached two Champions League finals with Inter.
Silva brings composure and can settle the midfield, filling a need that has existed since Luka Modric departed. Konate offers strength and recovery ability in central defence and could compete with Dean Huijsen and Rudiger for a starting place.
Diomande emerged at Red Bull Leipzig and starred for Ivory Coast at the World Cup. He was discovered in northern Florida by Leganes last year after being passed over in Major League Soccer tryouts. His 125 million euro ($144.5m) transfer may look excessive because rival suitors fell away and Real Madrid largely bid against itself. The club will hope the investment pays off, as Diomande resembles a dynamic, younger version of Vinicius Junior and can play on either wing.
Endrick wears the number 9 but does not fit the mold of a hold-up striker. Mbappe does not either, although he has made the position his own. Endrick, 20, has not met expectations since moving from Palmeiras for 47.5 million euros ($54.9m). He spent time on loan at Olympique Lyon, scoring five goals including a hat-trick against Metz.
At 6 feet 4 inches, Carlos Espi represents Mourinho’s idea of a number 9. The 21-year-old lacks experience but showed promise with Levante, scoring 11 goals last season. Perez is still committed to Endrick, having allowed Nico Paz to join Como last year and Gonzalo Garcia to move to Fulham this year.
Few players can rival Mbappe’s capacity to stretch defences and finish. Last season he scored 42 goals for Real Madrid, plus another 10 for France at the World Cup. But the central question remains whether Mbappe should operate as a lone striker or break down defences from the wing. Vinicius Junior’s effectiveness on the left is not in doubt. The problem has been getting the best out of both stars. Despite Mbappe’s scoring burst, Real Madrid’s La Liga goals have fallen from 87 in 2023-24 to 78 the following season and 77 last season.
Mourinho’s forwards have historically sacrificed scoring to focus on defensive work, which is not exactly what Mbappe or Vinicius Junior signed up for. Still, Mbappe indicated he is ready to follow the plan in an interview with Real Madrid TV, saying of Mourinho: “is a coach that knows how to win.”
Bellingham’s role is another key area. As a 20-year-old arriving from Borussia Dortmund, he scored 10 goals in his first 12 La Liga games in 2023. That output slowed and he settled into a deeper midfield role. After a breakout World Cup with England, however, he may reassert himself as an attacking midfielder. For England, Bellingham drove through midfield, created chances and scored seven goals, while also showing leadership during tough conditions in Mexico City and a comeback against Norway.
He has strong midfield support in Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, but it remains unclear whether Mourinho will allow him to push forward as before Mbappe arrived or demand a defence-first approach.
Arda Guler was a regular from last season’s opening match, making 51 appearances, second only to Vinicius Junior’s 53. He was expected to be a certain starter this season, but Silva’s arrival could squeeze his minutes. Mourinho tends to favour experienced players and appears to share an understanding with Silva because of their Portuguese roots. Guler can be spectacular at beating opponents and igniting the attack, yet the threat of a reduced role has led to reports that he is considering a return to Fenerbahce.
Real Madrid enter the 2026-27 season with Mourinho back and a squad built to challenge on multiple fronts. The central question will be whether his defensive discipline can coexist with the club’s attacking ambitions.
