Mourinho hails Fiorentina’s Kean after Real Madrid draw: ‘A monster’ | OneFootball

José Mourinho was left admiring Moise Kean after Real Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw by Fiorentina in a pre-season friendly, describing the Italy striker as “a monster.”

According to Tuttosport, Real had appeared in control after building a two-goal lead, only for the Viola to raise their tempo in the second half and level the contest, with Kean netting one of Fiorentina’s goals.

Reflecting afterwards, the Real Madrid coach admitted his young defenders had struggled to handle the ex-Juventus forward’s physicality.

KLAGENFURT, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 01: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid, speaks with Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid during the pre-season friendly match between Real Madrid and Fiorentina at Woerthersee Stadion on August 01, 2026 in Klagenfurt, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

Mourinho: young Real defenders not ready for ‘monster’ Kean

“The game became much more physical, they put us under pressure,” Mourinho said. “Playing inside the box with two kids like Joan and Mario, who had a great game, but physically they’re not yet at the level to face a monster like Kean.”

It was a striking tribute to a player who continues to attract transfer interest, with Como among those monitoring his situation.

Mourinho was otherwise content with a display he broke down in typically candid fashion. “I saw a Madrid with three faces: fresh, tired and super tired,” he told Real Madrid TV.

“The fresh team played very well; 2-1 at the break is tight, a first half of great quality that could easily have been three or four nil.”

The Portuguese reserved particular praise for those who dug deep despite minimal preparation, thanking Denzel Dumfries and Endrick, who had trained for only three days yet played more than 70 minutes, for their effort.

“A fantastic effort that means a lot to me,” he said. “I liked everything.”