Trent Alexander-Arnold excited to work with Mourinho at Real Madrid: ‘I’m sure he will help us win trophies’ | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold has begun what could be one of the most important pre-seasons of his Real Madrid career, arriving at Valdebebas determined to impress new head coach Jose Mourinho.

With Dani Carvajal no longer competing for the right-back position and his own injury problems now behind him, the England international has a valuable opportunity to establish himself before the rest of Real Madrid’s World Cup players return to training.

An important opportunity

Trent is among the small group of senior players currently available for Mourinho during the opening phase of pre-season.

The likes of Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia have also started pre-season under the Portuguese and will soon be joined by returning internationals.

As such, the English defender has the chance to make an early impression on the new coaching staff before new signing Denzel Dumfries joins training.

Full of praise for Mourinho

Mourinho already making an impact. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

Speaking to Real Madrid’s official media channels, Trent expressed his admiration for Mourinho and his excitement about working under one of football’s most decorated managers.

“I’ve always admired him as a coach, I’ve played against him a couple of times, and so far it’s a pleasure to work with him and his team,” Trent explained, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“The standards and level of expectation are very high, so I’m looking forward to seeing how, the more we get to know each other, the more we’ll learn and the more he can teach us.”

The right-back believes Mourinho’s experience and leadership can help Real Madrid compete for every major trophy this season.

“We are all willing and eager to learn and improve. I’m sure he will teach us many things and help us win trophies this year,” the former Liverpool star added.

Intense start to pre-season

An important pre-season for Trent. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Trent admitted that the opening sessions have been physically demanding, exactly as he expected.

“So far everything is going well, the sessions are intense. It’s preseason and it’s what we expected. A lot of intensity, a lot of double sessions, so it’s been intense. I have to get back in shape for pre-season, so I was ready and eager to return,” he noted.

Beyond the physical work, the England international emphasised the importance of understanding Mourinho’s tactical ideas before the competitive season begins.

“Pre-season is about getting in shape, understanding the fundamentals and how the coach wants us to play,” he said.

“It’s about understanding how we’re going to set up and prepare for the season; we need to get back into action and regain our football rhythm,” Trent added.

With Mourinho’s methods already making an impression and competition for places set to increase once the full squad returns, Trent hopes these early weeks will provide the foundation for a successful second season at the Santiago Bernabeu.