Mourinho has special plan devised to avoid another Mastantuono situation with Real Madrid record signing | OneFootball

Real Madrid had a dream summer transfer window, making as many as six first-team signings and bringing back Jose Mourinho.

Los Blancos also broke their transfer record, making Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande their most expensive signing of all time.

However, according to AS, Mourinho has no intention of letting the €125 million price tag dictate how quickly the 19-year-old becomes a starter for Madrid.

The Portuguese tactician has designed a careful development plan for Diomande, aimed at removing pressure while gradually preparing the Ivory Coast international for an important role in his Madrid side.

Mourinho calls for patience with Diomande

Diomande has played only 25, six and 26 minutes, respectively, against Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Malaga.

Given his enormous transfer fee, supporters could reasonably have expected a more immediate role.

Yan Diomande is being eased into life at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Mourinho sees things differently.

“He has to go little by little,” Mourinho said.

“He works a lot and well. He is open and humble, wants to learn, listens to his teammates, and he is going to grow.”

The Madrid coach insisted he cannot judge Diomande through his price tag, despite expectations surrounding a player who produced 12 goals and eight assists across 33 Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig last season.

“Calm, take it easy,” was Mourinho’s message.

Madrid want to avoid repeating Mastantuono mistake

The strategy is partly designed to avoid repeating what Madrid believe went wrong with Franco Mastantuono under Xabi Alonso.

The Argentine was given major responsibility before he was ready, while established players were pushed aside.

The situation ultimately created problems, both for Mastantuono and the dressing room. Mourinho is taking the opposite approach.

Madrid want to avoid the Mastantuono mistake with Diomande. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz performed strongly during pre-season and have earned their standing within the squad.

Diomande’s transfer fee will not automatically place him ahead of teammates who have already justified their minutes.

Diomande expected to become a starter in due course

That does not mean Madrid have doubts about their record investment.

The plan is for Diomande’s playing time to increase progressively, with the ultimate objective of making him a starter if his development continues as expected.

Mourinho is also spending considerable time with the youngster in training, helping him understand Madrid’s tactical demands.

Importantly, Diomande accepts the plan and remains relaxed. Madrid did not spend as much money as they did to push the teenager into the deep end before he is ready.

He is a signing for the future as much as he is for the present, and it remains to be seen how Jose slowly integrates Diomande into Madrid’s plans going forward.