Mourinho Backs Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham to Thrive Together at Real Madrid

New Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has expressed confidence that Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham can successfully play together as the Spanish giants prepare for their opening La Liga match against Espanyol.

The trio’s ability to operate effectively in the same team has been a major tactical question at Madrid.

Former coaches Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa all faced difficulties finding the right balance between the club’s attacking strength and defensive responsibilities when the three stars were on the pitch.

Mourinho, however, believes their quality gives him enough reason to remain optimistic.

The Portuguese coach said the three players have different qualities and do not occupy completely incompatible positions.

According to Mourinho, the challenge is to create a system that allows Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham to feel comfortable while ensuring that the team remains defensively solid.

“They are incredible players and incredible players want to play with incredible players,” Mourinho said.

He acknowledged that finding the right tactical structure for all three would be difficult, noting that different national-team coaches have already developed systems that suit each player individually.

Mourinho said his objective is to ensure that all three players can perform at their best when selected together.

The coach also warned that the attacking stars must be prepared to contribute defensively. He stressed that Real Madrid must defend as a unit, particularly when opponents put them under pressure in their own half.

“We have to defend with 11 players,” Mourinho said, adding that every player would be expected to contribute when the team is forced to defend deep.

The 63-year-old manager also admitted that selecting his starting XI could create frustration among Madrid’s star-studded squad.

With only 11 players allowed to start a match, Mourinho expects some players to be disappointed when they are left on the bench.

He said, however, that such frustration must be handled professionally and should motivate players to continue working hard rather than allow their performances to drop.

Mourinho is returning to Real Madrid for a second spell, having previously managed the club between 2010 and 2013.

He is hoping to restore the team to major-title contention after Madrid went two seasons without winning a major trophy.

The Portuguese manager also addressed reports of tension between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde following an incident during the previous campaign.

Mourinho said he had seen no evidence of continuing hostility between the players and described their current relationship as normal and friendly.

He said there was no need for him to intervene to restore peace because the players themselves had made it clear that there was no lingering problem.

Ahead of his second competitive debut with Madrid, Mourinho said he was not feeling pressure but rather positive excitement.

“I wouldn’t call it pressure, I’d call it adrenaline,” he said, adding that he would consider it a bad sign if he stopped experiencing that feeling before matches.

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