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Mourinho’s Madrid Are Starting to Look Different — and Mbappé Is Already Showing Why
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José Mourinho’s new Real Madrid project ended pre-season unbeaten with a convincing 3-0 victory over Schalke, and Kylian Mbappé wasted little time reminding everyone why he could be at the centre of the Portuguese manager’s plans.
Mbappé opened the scoring early at the Veltins-Arena before Dean Huijsen and Carlos Espí completed the victory. The result gave Madrid three wins and a draw from their four pre-season matches.
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But for Mourinho, the most encouraging aspect was not one individual performance.
It was the growing quality of the team around him.
Mourinho sees something taking shape
Speaking after the match, Mourinho resisted the temptation to single out particular players.
Instead, he offered a revealing assessment of his squad, describing Madrid as having good players, very good players and very, very good players before explaining that his job is to turn that individual quality into a collective team.
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That distinction could become important during the season.
Madrid have assembled enormous individual talent, but Mourinho knows that trophies are not won simply by collecting elite players.
They have to function together.
Against Schalke, there were signs that process is beginning.
Mbappé wastes no time
Mbappé's return to action could hardly have gone better.
The Frenchman was making his first appearance of pre-season and needed only a few minutes to open the scoring.
A poor Schalke pass presented him with the opportunity, and Mbappé made no mistake with the finish.
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He came close to adding another before being withdrawn as Mourinho carefully managed the minutes of players who joined the group later in pre-season.
The performance was brief, but the message was familiar.
Mbappé remains one of the most dangerous players in Mourinho's squad.
New faces are beginning to settle
The Schalke match was also significant because several recent arrivals received minutes.
Dean Huijsen doubled Madrid's advantage with a header from an Arda Güler delivery, while Carlos Espí added the third after the break.
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Mourinho also introduced Marc Cucurella and Yan Diomande for their Madrid debuts.
The Portuguese manager admitted that integrating the latest arrivals has not been easy because they joined a demanding training programme later than some of their teammates.
Yet he praised their mentality and willingness to adapt immediately.
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That could prove valuable as Madrid move from preparation into competitive football.
Four games unbeaten
The 3-0 win completed an unbeaten pre-season for Madrid.
Mourinho's side recorded three victories and one draw, giving the new manager a positive foundation before the competitive campaign begins.
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But the real examination starts now.
Madrid's first LaLiga fixture comes against Espanyol on August 22, when the friendly optimism has to translate into points.
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Mourinho knows pre-season results mean little once the league begins.
What matters is whether the tactical ideas he has been developing survive competitive pressure.
Fan Debate
🔥 Fire: Is Mourinho building a serious Champions League contender?
⚽ Goal: Can Mbappé have his best-ever season under Mourinho?
💬 Comment: Which Real Madrid player will be most important this season?
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