Real Madrid boss Mourinho completely rules out playing 23-year-old at left-back – report | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has made a clear decision regarding Eduardo Camavinga’s role at Real Madrid, with the Portuguese manager unwilling to use the Frenchman as a left-back.

According to Defensa Central, Mourinho sees Camavinga strictly as a midfielder and plans to use him as an alternative to Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde during the 2026/27 season.

The decision could finally bring an end to the positional uncertainty that has followed Camavinga throughout his Real Madrid career.

The French international has regularly been pushed into the left-back position in previous seasons whenever injuries or squad problems left the team short of options. 

Under Mourinho, however, that is set to change.

The Real Madrid manager does not want Camavinga spending time adapting to another position and would only consider using him at left-back in an extreme emergency.

Mourinho sees Camavinga as midfield cover

Mourinho currently considers the Real Madrid squad complete and is working with the players already available to him.

Camavinga will not play in defence under Mourinho. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

That also means Camavinga is expected to remain at the club despite previous suggestions that Real Madrid could consider selling him.

The Portuguese coach is counting on the French midfielder and sees him as an important option for the season ahead.

Rather than using him across multiple positions, Mourinho wants to keep his role simple. 

Camavinga will provide competition and rotation in central midfield, primarily acting as cover for Tchouameni and Valverde.

As per the outlet, Camavinga could often be used from the bench and given opportunities to rotate with the first-choice midfielders, as Mourinho does not want him playing out of position.

The manager believes that constantly learning the demands of different roles could distract the player from fully developing his game in midfield.

Cucurella signing gives Real Madrid more options

Camavinga will act as cover for Tchouameni and Valverde. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s summer business has also made Mourinho’s decision easier.

The arrival of Marc Cucurella has strengthened a position that had caused the club problems in previous seasons. 

His signing means Mourinho has a specialist left-back available rather than needing to turn to a midfielder for cover.

Furthermore, Alvaro Carreras is also available, while Ferland Mendy is expected to return once he recovers. 

Lastly, Real Madrid also tested Lamini Fati during pre-season and could look towards another academy player if further depth is required.

Hence, with several alternatives available, there should be little reason to move Camavinga back to defence.