Real Madrid defender excited to work with Jose Mourinho: ‘He’s a great coach’ | OneFootball

In a recent interview with SportyNet (h/t MARCA), Real Madrid defender Eder Militao expressed his excitement about working with new manager Jose Mourinho next season, while also discussing his injury ordeals.

Following the presidential elections last weekend, Real Madrid confirmed the appointment of Mourinho as the new manager on a three-year contract until 2029.

The Portuguese tactician arrives at the club after a two-year major trophy drought and his return to the Santiago Bernabeu has sparked a positive reaction from the squad.

Militao looking forward to Mourinho stint

Indeed, Thibaut Courtois recently spoke highly of Mourinho and his return to the club, and now Militao has also expressed his delight at the opportunity of working with the 63-year-old manager.

“He’s a great coach. I’m looking forward to next season,” said Militao.

The new Real Madrid manager. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

Further continuing, he added: “Personally, life has its ups and downs. The important thing is to be mentally strong. If you’re in a good place mentally and with your family, everything flows better.”

On his injury ordeals

Militao endured another injury-riddled campaign with Real Madrid, with his latest setback, sustained towards the final phase of the season, ruling him out for several months.

Speaking about how he picked up the injury and the impact it has had on him, Militao elaborated:

“It was when I was going to head in a cross. As I turned to shoot, I felt something strange. At first, it didn’t seem serious. I walked to the locker room, they ran some tests, and nothing conclusive came up.

“Then the diagnosis came. It’s clear that having so many injuries affects you psychologically, but it also gives you experience. Before, I was a very explosive player; now I’m more mature and don’t rely so much on speed.”

Sidelined with another injury. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The injury also meant that Militao was ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he acknowledged was a bitter pill to swallow.

“It’s tough, yes. Raphinha, Endrick, Bruno Guimaraes wrote to me to find out how I was doing. Of course we wanted to be there, we worked for that, but I’m supporting them one hundred percent,” admitted Militao.

“It’s very painful to miss the World Cup, but I also have to think about my career. I could have gotten injured even while playing for the national team. I accepted it and relied heavily on my family.”

Showing his support to the Brazil team, he added: “It’s sad to be left off the list, but I’m also just another fan. I support the team to the fullest, I watch the games and I try to send positive energy.”

Regarding Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, Militao remarked: “He’s still the same person, a great coach and a wonderful father. The training sessions are demanding, and he’s always looking to improve.

“Real Madrid and Brazil are similar. Both are the best at what they do. The pressure is high, but it’s healthy pressure. It’s the price you pay for being at the best clubs.”