Mourinho to speak to several Real Madrid stars next week; could lead to departures – report | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho’s first week of pre-season at Real Madrid could be important for several players whose futures remain uncertain.

The Portuguese coach is expected to evaluate the squad closely before making decisions on who fits into his plans.

According to Ruben Martin of AS, Mourinho will hold conversations with several players after assessing them during the opening days of pre-season. He will then explain the role and future vision he has for each of them.

Mourinho begins his squad audit

This is exactly the kind of process Real Madrid fans would expect from Mourinho. He is not a coach who leaves hierarchy unclear for long.

Players usually know quickly where they stand, and that clarity can shape the rest of the transfer window.

No time to waste. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

That does not mean exits are already decided, but it does suggest that the first days of work may influence which players stay and which ones look for opportunities elsewhere.

Real Madrid need clarity before the season

For Real Madrid, this is an important stage of the summer. A strong squad still needs balance, and Mourinho will want players who accept his demands, understand their roles and fit the competitive level he expects.

If a player is not central to the coach’s plans, it is better to know now than late in the window, when finding a solution becomes harder.

Florentino Perez and the sporting leadership will also benefit from Mourinho’s direct assessment.

Real Madrid need some exits. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

An overcrowded first-team squad means exits are not optional this summer, and it is fair that the manager has a good look before making a decision.

What this also means is that Los Blancos players have a chance to impress Mourinho in the first week of pre-season and convince him that they can have a future here.

The first week of pre-season will not decide everything, but it could set the tone. Some players may be spending their last few weeks in a Real Madrid jersey, while others might get a lifeline.

It remains to be seen how the manager goes about handling this situation during pre-season.