Real Madrid legend sings the praises of Mourinho's policy

Jorge Valdano, a Real Madrid legend, has praised Jose Mourinho's working methods in the early stages of the 2026/25 season. Speaking on Movistar and cited by Defensa Central, Valdano believes the Portuguese strategist is effectively operating his 'duties' (deberes) system, turning a collection of superstars into a winning machine.

"I have the impression that Mourinho is working very effectively on the players' duties. The talent is there, and if the duties are worked on, it becomes much easier for the Royal team to maintain its concentration throughout the match," Valdano commented. "Starting from the pressing, everyone looked more connected and more inspired."

This observation comes from a man who was once Real Madrid's sporting director — someone who had disagreements with Mourinho before leaving the club in May 2026. Valdano's endorsement — whether genuine professional respect or a calculated public posture — carries significant weight with the fanbase and media.

The 'Duties' System: Tactical or Psychological?

Mourinho's approach is not merely tactical. It is a hybrid of tactical discipline and psychological pressure. When he speaks of "professionalism and the desire to work for the team," it is not just a statement — it is a signal sent to the entire dressing room.

"I cannot perform a miracle with 10, 11, 12 or 15 players. We need this squad. This is what I expect from them: professionalism and the desire to work for the team," Mourinho stated in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Real Betis.

The Portuguese coach also did not hesitate to issue a warning: "If they do not work or lose their motivation, it is very easy for me to keep some players out of the squad."

This is a double-edged statement. On one hand, it creates a transparent accountability framework — players cannot claim ignorance of the coach's standards. On the other hand, it can breed underlying resentment, particularly among players who are frequently rotated.

Four Fronts: Fitness Challenge and Squad Depth

Real Madrid are competing in four competitions: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup. The congested schedule forces Mourinho to rotate his squad — a tactical necessity, not merely a management preference.

"The pressure from four competitions demands we have squad depth. Rotation is not a choice; it is a condition of survival," a source close to the coaching staff revealed.

However, squad rotation is a double-edged sword. Bench players may not maintain the same form as the starters, and each match becomes a test of concentration and tactical discipline.

From a Data Perspective: When Emotion is a Variable

As a former sports data analyst, I view this through the lens of numbers — but I also understand that emotion is a variable that cannot be ignored.

Back in the 2026 World Cup, I once bet a friend that Spain would beat Russia 3-0 based on 75% possession. They lost on penalties. I learned that data is only useful when interpreted in the right context.

Similarly, Mourinho and Valdano's statements cannot be measured by PPDA or xG. But they create a context: Real Madrid's players are playing under deliberate psychological pressure. They know that any lapse in concentration could cost them their starting spot.

Valdano and Mourinho: A Complex Relationship

Valdano is not just a legend — he was Real Madrid's sporting director, whose authority Mourinho systematically eroded before Valdano's departure in May 2026. His public support for Mourinho, therefore, carries a deeper layer of meaning.

Is this genuine professional respect? Or a diplomatic move to maintain his position within the club's power structure? Whatever the reason, Valdano's praise has created a 'public opinion shield' for Mourinho, especially when the team has a perfect record but has not been entirely convincing in terms of playing style.

The Immediate Test: Real Betis

The match against Real Betis at La Cartuja — the Olympic Stadium in Seville, not Betis's home ground Benito Villamarín — is a classic test. Betis is a traditional club that often plays tough against big teams. Playing at a neutral venue adds another variable.

Mourinho understands this well. His pre-match statements are not just for the media — they are part of an expectation-management strategy. If Real Madrid win, it is thanks to professionalism and discipline. If they stumble, it is because the players failed to meet the requirements.

Conclusion: The System is Working, But Pressure is Building

Real Madrid have a perfect start in La Liga, but narrow victories (2-1 against Espanyol) suggest the team is not yet dominant. Mourinho's 'duties' system is effective in maintaining concentration, but the question is: can it be sustainable when the schedule becomes congested and pressure from four fronts intensifies?

The answer will come from the players themselves. They can either accept their roles and duties, or resentment will simmer and erupt. That is the fine line between a winning machine and a fractured dressing room.

And as I learned from the 2026 World Cup: data reveals patterns, but emotion determines outcomes.