José Mourinho has officially begun his preseason preparations for Real Madrid’s 2026-27 campaign, taking charge of the first training sessions at Ciudad Real Madrid since his arrival on July 13. The Portuguese tactician is now implementing his vision for the squad as the club gears up for a transformative season.
The squad completed demanding double sessions on July 16, combining physical conditioning with possession drills and tactical work ahead of the new campaign. The training focused on the foundations Mourinho will build upon, with initial squads featuring academy players and those not currently on international duty.
Key absences remain as players return from World Cup commitments on a staggered basis. Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr, and Thibaut Courtois are among those yet to report, though their return is imminent as they complete their international schedules.
Those already integrated into the preseason include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, and Dean Huijsen, who have begun adapting to Mourinho’s methods. The manager’s first phase of work emphasizes ball possession under pressure and finishing drills, establishing the tactical foundations for 2026-27.
Mourinho’s appointment marks his return to the Bernabéu after 13 years, taking over from Álvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid seek to reclaim La Liga supremacy. His three-year contract runs until June 2029, providing stability and clear direction for the club’s near-term ambitions.
The squad assembly continues to take shape, with preseason friendlies scheduled to accelerate preparations in the coming weeks.
