Real Sociedad boss impressed by Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid: ‘You can clearly see a different structure’ | OneFootball

Real Sociedad are set to visit the Spanish capital tomorrow to take on Real Madrid in what will be Jose Mourinho’s second La Liga game this season.

Los Blancos secured a late 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their opening encounter and will hope to keep the momentum against the Basque club.

In the pre-match press conference, Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo praised the early impact of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Speaking ahead of the Basque club’s visit, as quoted by AS, Matarazzo was asked for his assessment of the “new Real Madrid”.

Matarazzo sees a more organised Madrid

The Sociedad manager made it clear that he already sees a very different team with a distinct identity under Jose.

“It is very clear that they are a top team with several new signings, impressive signings and a new coach,” Matarazzo said.

The Sociedad boss then pointed to the structural changes Mourinho has introduced.

Pellegrino Matarazzo understands the challenge Real Madrid pose. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“With the new coach, you can clearly see a different structure, whether in the pressing, where they are more organised, or in their counter-pressing, where you can see a different intensity compared to recent seasons,” he explained.

This is an assessment that would make Mourinho happy, as he has repeatedly reiterated the need for intensity and physical preparation since his return to the club.

Clear ideas in attack

The praise was not limited to Madrid’s work without the ball.

“In attack you can also see clarity in what they want,” Matarazzo added.

That is particularly relevant given how much attention has surrounded Mourinho’s attempts to fit Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande into the same attacking structure.

The 4-2-3-1 has increasingly looked like the base system, with Madrid trying to create clearer roles around those attacking stars.

Real Madrid are set to host Real Sociedad in La Liga. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Diomande may not yet be starting games for Los Blancos, but it will not be long before Jose has to find a way to field all four attacking superstars in the same XI.

Sociedad still believe in themselves

Matarazzo nevertheless made clear that Sociedad are not travelling to Madrid simply to contain Mourinho’s side.

“Of course, it is a challenge for us, but at the same time we believe in our quality, in our strengths, and we approach the game with that conviction,” he concluded.

The Basque club have consistently been capable of troubling top teams in Spain in recent seasons, and Matarazzo will want to do the same at the Bernabeu tomorrow.

For Real Madrid, the focus has to be on putting in a more convincing performance against Sociedad than they did against Espanyol.

If they do that and manage to get the three points, that will represent a step in a positive direction, and it remains to be seen how Jose Mourinho sets his team up for the game.