Jose Mourinho has no intention of taking the speed or attacking ambition out of his new Real Madrid.
However, after an explosive start to the season, the Portuguese coach is now focused on ensuring that Madrid’s attacking freedom is supported by greater defensive control.
According to MARCA, Mourinho wants his side to remain aggressive with and without the ball.
The 4-0 victory over Malaga provided an encouraging sign, delivering the team’s first clean sheet of the season while maintaining their considerable threat going forward.
Mourinho wants aggression without the ball
Even with Real Madrid flying high and comfortably ahead in these first three games, Mourinho still sees scope for improvement.
The coach admitted his players “lost a little bit of order” after going 3-0 up, although he was pleased with their growing ability to “press, bite and recover balls high.”
Mourinho seeking balance in his Real Madrid team. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
That intensity is becoming an important part of Mourinho’s Real Madrid. The manager has been insisting on it ever since he arrived.
Against Malaga, the Merengues allowed only one shot on target. They had previously conceded three against Espanyol and another three against Real Sociedad, meaning their latest game was an improvement in that regard.
Real Madrid cannot repeat last season’s problem
Mourinho has always been a manager who has focused on a defence-first approach.
Real Madrid conceded 64 goals across 58 matches last season. For a team expected to challenge for La Liga and the Champions League, that was simply too much.
Mourinho does not want to solve that problem by turning Real Madrid into a cautious team.
Real Madrid have a potent attacking unit. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham and the other attacking options available, restricting their ability to play quickly would waste one of the squad’s greatest strengths.
Instead, striking the right balance is of paramount importance.
High pressing, immediate recoveries and collective effort can allow Real Madrid to attack at speed without constantly leaving their defenders exposed.
As the season goes on and the calendar starts looking increasingly crowded, it will be much more difficult for the players to maintain this intensity every three days.
For now, Real Madrid have started the season on the right note, but with scope for improvement, and it remains to be seen where Jose takes them from here.