Mourinho keeps faith with Real Madrid XI as Bernabéu backs his return | OneFootball

José Mourinho’s return has felt like an emotional reset at Real Madrid, with supporters clearly onside. According to AS, he has kept the same starting XI for Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu.

Real Sociedad start with Remiro, Aramburu, Jon Martín, Beitia, Sergio Gómez, Herrera, Turrientes, Kubo, Sucic, Obieng and Oyarzabal. Real Madrid line up with Courtois, Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Carreras, Bernardo Silva, Valverde, Arda Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappé.

No major tweaks were expected and none arrived, with the full backs unchanged and Diomande held back for now. The staff have Sunday’s trip to Málaga in mind, which could be a better moment to introduce decisions of that type, including a possible start for Cucurella.

The selection rewards those who delivered in Cornellà against Espanyol and prioritises continuity and current form. There are strong options for later, notably Diomande, Cucurella and Espí, while this is viewed as Mourinho’s first big Bernabéu test as Madrid go for six of six.

Fans are eager to see his settled side, yet with games ahead it may not be wise to take risks. The team recently produced 20-25 encouraging minutes, and some who could be starters might not be ready. Thirteen years on, Mourinho has been cast as the steady hand for a dressing room that has wrestled with egos.

Source: AS

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”