José Mourinho sends clear message on Real Madrid return with intense preseason demands

Normality. Work. Demands. And plenty of intensity.

That has been the theme of Real Madrid’s latest training sessions at Valdebebas, where José Mourinho has wasted no time making his presence felt after returning as head coach.

Intensity is the defining word of the opening days of preseason, and it is also one of the characteristics most associated with Mourinho throughout his career. The Portuguese manager is not allowing his players to relax during these early sessions, even with much of his squad still unavailable.

From his first training session on Monday afternoon, Mourinho has made his philosophy clear. He does not want to waste a single moment and has immediately begun implementing his methods with his trademark attention to detail.

Mourinho demands maximum effort from day one

Mourinho currently has just eight first-team players available, with three more, Éder Militão, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy, continuing their recovery from injuries.

But those who have been present at Real Madrid’s training ground have already experienced the demanding physical work being carried out under the intense summer heat. Temperatures have averaged around 82°F (28°C), reaching 90°F (32°C) during the opening session.

There has been no room for shortcuts.

Mourinho wants his players ready from the first minute, and he has made that expectation clear. After a brief introduction on Monday, the available first-team players and academy prospects training with the senior squad have faced demanding sessions both in the gym and on the field.

The work has focused heavily on strength, endurance and explosiveness, combining physical drills with technical exercises. Players have been pushed through long-distance running, acceleration drills and repeated sprints designed to improve their ability to react quickly during matches.

The ball work has also been central. Mourinho has repeatedly stopped training to correct situations, shape his tactical ideas and reinforce the message he delivered upon his return to Valdebebas:

“Don’t just work at Real Madrid. Work for Real Madrid. It is with this sense of mission that I am here.”

Real Madrid players tested with hypoxia masks

The second training session on Monday afternoon featured another familiar tool from Mourinho’s previous coaching eras: hypoxia masks.

The equipment is one of the preferred methods of fitness coach Antonio Pintus and is used to evaluate the physical condition of players after the offseason break.

“They are used to measure a footballer’s respiratory capacity through an electrocardiogram and gas analysis,” Raúl Notario, a fitness coach and director of physical activity, physiotherapy and sport at Alfonso X el Sabio University (UAX), explained to AS.

The session continued with more aerobic work, ensuring players were immediately pushed toward peak physical condition.

New signing Dean Huijsen was asked about Mourinho’s demanding approach after training and accepted that intensity was to be expected.

“It is normal for José Mourinho to be intense. We have to train well,” Huijsen said.

Álvaro Carreras shared a similar view of the new manager’s arrival.

“All in with the new coach,” Carreras said.

Mourinho’s message has already reached the squad

Nobody wants to disappoint Mourinho, and that means nobody wants to lower their standards, regardless of the circumstances.

The players are dealing with tough physical sessions and challenging conditions, but Mourinho’s expectations are clear. The new Real Madrid coach wants a team prepared to compete immediately, and his players know they will have to match his level of intensity.

The next test comes Thursday, when Real Madrid return to training for another demanding preseason session.

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