Mourinho on Mbappé's starting spot, Militao's status, Valverde, Güler, Vinícius, Diomande...
The Real Madrid coach reviewed the status of several players before facing Villarreal on matchday 8. Mbappé will be in the starting XI, Militao will remain sidelined for the next few weeks, and Valverde is still a doubt. In addition, Mourinho updated the situations of Mendy and Rodrygo , and talked about the current form of Vinícius and the options for Diomande.
Real Madrid C.F.
Mbappé will play against Villarreal
Mbappé22.080.000€-3.890.000€5
DLMourinho was emphatic when talking about Kylian Mbappé, confirming that the forward will be on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu despite the controversy that arose during the international break.
«Mbappé is going to play», the coach said, defending the Frenchman's conduct over these days.
The manager explained that Mbappé has followed a specific recovery plan for his knee, with medical assessments that matched the diagnosis. He also made it clear that the player has fulfilled all his obligations.
Militao ruled out for several weeks; Valverde still a doubt
Éder Militão2.790.000€+40.000€-
DFThe main medical updates affect Éder Militao and Fede Valverde. The Brazilian centre-back continues to progress satisfactorily, but Mourinho confirmed that he will not be available for Villarreal or for the next matches against Roma and Sevilla.
«Militao is not a doubt, he is not going to be available. [...] He needs a couple of weeks. The medical history is very heavy and we have to be careful», he said.
Meanwhile, Valverde remains a doubt for this matchday. The Uruguayan has physical issues and the coaching staff will make a final decision after assessing his condition.
«Fede is the doubt. [...] Today we will decide about tomorrow», he said.
Mendy returns to the pitch and Rodrygo continues recovering
The coach also updated the situation of two other players.
Ferland Mendy will take a step forward in his recovery, starting to train on the pitch with the group, although his availability for competitive action has not yet been confirmed.
Rodrygo's situation is less favorable, as Mourinho acknowledged that the Brazilian is further away from returning. Therefore, it does not seem that his comeback will be immediate.
Diomande and the alternatives in attack
Diomande15.780.000€-120.000€6
DLAsked directly about the possibility of Diomande starting and sharing the attack with Mbappé and Vinícius, Mourinho avoided revealing his plans.
«I won't answer whether he is going to play or not. I'm not going to say who is going to play», he said.
The manager said he has plenty of attacking options, although he insisted on the need to keep the team's balance.
Therefore, Diomande's starting spot remains open, with the coach not offering any definitive clues about his involvement.
Vinícius backed despite his inconsistency
Vinícius Júnior15.390.000€-190.000€3
DLMourinho also spoke about the current situation of Vinícius Jr., acknowledging that he still has not regained his best version, but showing full confidence in his work and commitment.
The coach explained that there are different ways to help a player recover his level, including keeping him in the team or giving him rest.
«Is he going to play all the way until he comes back, or will there be a moment when there is a specific plan where he doesn't play or goes to the bench and we find another way?», he asked.
His words leave open the possibility of managing Vinícius's minutes differently in the coming matches, although he did not announce any specific benching against Villarreal.
Güler, Konaté and Huijsen during the break
The coach also referred to other names in the squad. Arda Güler enjoyed two extra days of rest after being suspended for his last international match.
For his part, Konaté has remained working at Valdebebas as he followed his recovery process, while Mourinho defended Huijsen against reports that emerged about his private life.
No tactical revolution, but possible adjustments
Finally, Mourinho acknowledged that the coaching staff have used the break to analyze the aspects the team needs to improve after their latest results.
However, he ruled out making radical changes to the system with so little training time and opted to make small tactical adjustments and maintain the team's overall structure.
The coach stressed the importance of regaining good feelings and getting the three points against a Villarreal side he considers a Champions League-level opponent.
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