# Mourinho Expresses Confidence in Real Madrid Stars' Ability to Coexist

*New Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes his star-studded squad can coexist despite previous challenges.*

August 21, 2026 · Sports

New Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has expressed confidence that his team's star players can coexist harmoniously ahead of their opening La Liga game at Espanyol. Mourinho's predecessors, Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and Alvaro Arbeloa, faced difficulties in balancing attack and defense with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham. Despite these challenges, Mourinho remains optimistic about the team's potential.

Real Madrid won the Champions League in 2024 with Bellingham and Vinicius playing pivotal roles. However, the arrival of Mbappe that summer has yet to yield a major trophy for the club. Mourinho acknowledged the tactical challenges but emphasized the quality of his players.

"They are incredible players and incredible players want to play with incredible players," Mourinho told reporters. "Tactically, it could be tricky. Ancelotti has found a set-up with Brazil perfect for Vini, (Didier) Deschamps has found one with France perfect for Kylian, (Thomas) Tuchel one perfect for Jude, it's harder for Mourinho to do it for the three of them. We're on it. I want the three, when all three play, to feel comfortable on the pitch... they are three players of great quality."

Mourinho also stressed the importance of defensive contributions from all players. "We have to defend with 11 players," he said. "If a team is pushing us back and giving us problems in our final third, we all have to defend." This approach underscores Mourinho's commitment to a balanced team effort.

Real Madrid's star players will need to adapt to Mourinho's demands, particularly in defense. The coach's emphasis on collective defensive responsibility suggests a shift in strategy compared to previous seasons. This could be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season.

For Bangladeshi football fans, Mourinho's confidence in Real Madrid's star players highlights the global appeal and competitive nature of La Liga. The performance of international stars like Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham not only captivates fans worldwide but also inspires local players to aspire for similar success on the global stage.

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/mourinho-confident-real-madrid-stars-can-coexist