Mourinho has ‘blind faith’ in Real Madrid squad as true potential yet to be unlocked – report | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho got off to a winning start in his first official match back in charge of Real Madrid, with Los Blancos beating Espanyol 2-1.

Goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi secured the win for the Merengues, and there were positives to take from what was not a flawless performance.

Mourinho had to deal with a strange pre-season where he had players returning in batches after their World Cup duty.

Now, according to El Debate, Mourinho is completely convinced by the potential of his squad despite believing his players are still some way from reaching their best level physically.

The Portuguese manager has “blind faith” in the quality available to him and believes physical endurance is currently the main element preventing them from fully expressing themselves.

Mourinho convinced by his system

There is said to be considerable confidence inside the coaching staff in both the playing system Mourinho is implementing and the work being carried out behind the scenes.

Real Madrid are still adapting to the demands of their new manager, and the Portuguese tactician believes supporters have not yet seen the true version of his team.

Complete faith in the squad. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The expectation is that performances should improve considerably once the squad reaches the physical condition required to sustain Mourinho’s ideas throughout matches.

That is particularly significant because the coach apparently does not see his Real Madrid having one undisputed starting XI.

Around 20 players fighting for 11 places

The report claims Mourinho believes he has around 20 players capable of starting matches for Real Madrid.

Rather than establishing a rigid hierarchy immediately, he appears prepared to use the depth of his squad and allow competition to determine who plays.

That could become one of Real Madrid’s biggest strengths this season. Mourinho has plenty of established stars, but he also has different profiles available across several positions.

Having genuine alternatives should allow him to change his approach depending on the opposition without dramatically weakening the side.

Can Mourinho bring back success to Real Madrid? (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

This was especially visible in the game against Espanyol, where Carlos Espi came on and scored the winner in Joselu-esque fashion.

However, more than all this, the physical aspect remains important for Mourinho. If several players are capable of maintaining that level for 90 minutes, it makes his decision-making easier.

Hunger is not a concern

What Mourinho apparently does not question is the mentality of his players.

The squad is described as sharing the same hunger as their manager, something that should encourage Real Madrid supporters given Mourinho’s own relentless competitive nature.

The new era at the Santiago Bernabeu has got off to a winning start, but Jose will know that he will ultimately be judged by results and trophies.

He believes the system works, trusts the players and has a clear plan, and it is now on the squad to repay their manager’s faith.