Mourinho Sets Non-Negotiable Rules for Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham Before First Match

José Mourinho opened his pre-season press conference with an unambiguous message for Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham: at Real Madrid in 2026-2027, no one is above collective demands. The Portuguese manager spoke on Friday, ahead of the Maison Blanche’s trip to Espanyol Barcelona’s pitch for the season’s first Liga match.

“We must form a team, work well and not negotiate what is non-negotiable,” Mourinho said, in his second spell in charge of the Madrid club. The tone is set, the hierarchy too.

The Portuguese coach did, however, nuance his remarks by acknowledging the complexity of bringing together three attackers of this calibre. “Ancelotti found the ideal Brazil for Vini, Deschamps for Kylian, Tuchel for Jude. It’s harder for Mourinho to find a place for all three, that’s where we are,” he admitted. He nonetheless dismissed any idea of incompatibility: “Their positions are not incompatible. We are going to have a very good season with them.”

On the tactical front, Mourinho detailed his expectations regarding defensive effort: “If the opposing team puts us under pressure in our defensive third, we must all defend. The principle that some defend while others wait for the ball doesn’t work.” A barely veiled jab at the past habits of some of his players.

The manager also stressed the psychological dimension of his approach: “I don’t like them doing things because they think I’m forcing them to. They must do it because they think they can do it well.” A way of holding his stars accountable rather than constraining them.

Real Madrid therefore begins this new season with intact ambitions and a manager who, true to form, sets the bar very high on collective commitment from the outset.