‘He’ll be on the bench if…’ – Mourinho sets non-negotiable condition for Valverde’s continuity at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Federico Valverde’s future at Real Madrid may not be as straightforward as many supporters expected because incoming manager Jose Mourinho has attached a significant condition to the midfielder’s continuity at the club.

According to The Objective, Mourinho has reconsidered an earlier position regarding the Uruguayan international and is now prepared to keep him as part of his plans. 

However, that decision comes with a clear message regarding discipline, versatility and acceptance of the manager’s authority.

Valverde remains one of the most respected figures in the current squad and is widely viewed as one of the few players to have maintained the support of the fanbase throughout a difficult season.

That popularity is believed to have played a role in discussions surrounding his future.

Mourinho changes position on Valverde

Mourinho was against Valverde’s continuity. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The report claims that Mourinho initially had reservations about the midfielder’s role within the squad.

According to the information provided, the Portuguese was concerned about the level of influence Valverde holds inside the dressing room and how that might impact the absolute control he traditionally seeks over his teams.

Despite those concerns, Real Madrid’s leadership are said to have encouraged Mourinho to rethink his position, particularly given Valverde’s importance both on and off the pitch.

Mourinho’s condition

According to the report, Mourinho is now willing to keep the midfielder but expects total commitment to any role assigned by the coaching staff.

In that context, the strongest indication of that came through a warning delivered during internal discussions.

Mourinho has sent a warning over Valverde. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“If I play him at full-back and he doesn’t like it, he’ll be on the bench for the whole season,” is Mourinho’s message regarding the versatile Uruguayan.

One of the reasons behind the warning relates to Valverde’s previous deployment in different positions.

The Uruguayan has frequently been used outside his preferred midfield role throughout his Real Madrid career and has often filled in wherever the team required him. 

However, Mourinho specifically referenced situations from the previous campaign when Valverde was utilised at right-back and he voiced his displeasure regarding the situation, something that he wants to avoid.