Mourinho described Villarreal as a Champions League-caliber opponent who, like Madrid, has had players on international duty. He noted that the past week has been challenging for both teams, and he suggested the media has attempted to manufacture another big story around Real Madrid. He reiterated that Mbappe has remained available for selection, emphasizing that the club’s approach to discipline applies to every player, on and off the pitch.
The coach also discussed squad planning after the international break, including how travel, playing time, and recovery are managed. He explained that, while some players will travel while others are rested or unavailable, the club is prioritizing careful rotation and gradual improvement rather than drastic changes. He confirmed that Federico Valverde remains a doubt for the Villarreal match, and Eder Militao will not feature despite progress in training. Militao’s return will require additional recovery time, given his medical history. Ferland Mendy is set to train with the group for the first time, Rodrygo remains unavailable for now, and the decision on Valverde’s involvement will be made closer to kick-off.
Mourinho touched on potential tactical adjustments for the second half of the season, stressing that improvements should come gradually rather than through a wholesale shift. He underscored that Real Madrid cannot field all forwards simultaneously and highlighted the need to maintain balance in the lineup. If a player does not meet the club’s standards of conduct or performance, he affirmed, that player will not be protected from consequences, and disciplinary measures will be enforced when appropriate.
