Mourinho's return to Real Madrid: Intense preseason begins with only 8 first-team players available

Updated on: July 15, 2026 — 14:36 CEST Author: Agustín Martín — Real Madrid section writer

Intensity Defines the Start of Preseason

Normality. Work. Demand. And lots and lots of intensity. That is how another day of training unfolded at Valdebebas, and how the first days at Ciudad Real Madrid are shaping up.

Intensity is the key word at this start of the preseason — and one of the defining terms of José Mourinho. The old new white coach does not allow relaxation for the players he is counting on in these early days. Since the first training session last Monday afternoon, the Portuguese has made his creed clear, and he has done so despite missing the bulk of the squad. He does not want to waste time and has gotten down to work inflexibly.

Physical Demands Under Scorching Heat

These days, Mourinho barely has eight first-team players available (with three more recovering from injuries: Militao, Rodrygo, and Mendy). Yet everyone already knows firsthand the physical beatings taking place in Valdebebas under scorching heat — an average of 28ºC, with the first session reaching 32ºC.

Direct. No speculation. Mourinho wants his troops ready from the first minute, and he has made that known.

After a brief presentation last Monday, the players — alongside the youth players working these days — are pushing themselves hard:

• In the gym: Completing strength exercises.
• On the pitch: Physical work with ball work takes priority.

The regimen includes lots of continuous running, acceleration in runs, and sprints — seeking explosiveness and, above all, the player's reaction capacity. Then comes extensive work with the ball: set plays to correct situations, to shape his idea, and to establish the motto he wants his players to adopt. Upon his return to Valdebebas, Mourinho made it clear:

"It's not about working at Real Madrid, it's about working for Real Madrid; and it is with this spirit of mission that I am here."

Hypoxia Masks and Aerobic Work

The second training session, on Monday afternoon, saw the appearance of hypoxia masks — one of Antonio Pintus's favorite work tools. This method gauges the physical condition of the white players, something essential to understanding their physical scope after the holidays.

"It is used to know the footballer's respiratory capacity through an electrocardiogram and gas analysis," explained Raúl Notario, physical trainer and director of the physical activity, physiotherapy, and sports area at Alfonso X el Sabio University (UAX), to AS.

That same Monday afternoon, more aerobic work followed.

Players Respond to Mourinho's Demands

Dean Huijsen, asked after training, was clear:

"It's normal for José Mourinho to be intense. We have to train well."

His teammate Álvaro Carreras shared the same opinion:

"Full throttle with the new boss."

No one wants to disappoint Mourinho. So no one wants to lower the intensity level — whatever the circumstance. Despite the first physical beatings. Despite the prevailing and reigning heat. Mourinho demands, and no player wants to throw in the towel.

Thursday brings a new training session.

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