Real Madrid set for Málaga with Cucurella in line to start
The piece argues Xabi Alonso lacked the authority at Real Madrid to make bold calls, unlike at Chelsea, where he openly addressed Enzo Fernández’s omission.
Former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham are described as attack-minded but defensively open, while ex-Madrid pair Gonzalo García and César Palacios adapt.
Yan Diomandé has again caught the eye in Real Madrid training, with fresh footage showing the summer signing producing another standout piece of skill.
A predicted XI had Cucurella starting at left-back, Güler on the right and Mbappé leading the line as Real Madrid looked to keep their 100% start against Málaga.
José Mourinho said Yan Diomandé is 'progressing gradually' and 'getting more and more ready', indicating the winger is not yet ready to start against Málaga.
Endrick and Aurélien Tchouaméni again missed group training before Málaga, ruling them out of Mourinho’s travelling party and delaying their season debuts.
José Mourinho said Thiago Pitarch 'deserves' to be a first-team player, backing the 19-year-old midfielder after his breakout 2025/26 campaign.
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta called their Champions League trip to Real Madrid on 8 September a 'special meeting with Mourinho' at the Bernabéu.
José Mourinho confirmed Marc Cucurella will make his first Real Madrid start against Málaga after two substitute appearances.
Bayern insist Real Madrid have made no approach for Michael Olise, calling the rumours 'nonsense' and saying there is no rush to revisit his deal until 2029.
Mourinho has rapidly changed the mood at Real Madrid, restoring standards, dialogue and unity, with the squad showing greater commitment after two early La Liga wins.
Real Madrid’s window may still need a centre-back and a controlling midfielder, with depth and tempo-setting seen as the two remaining gaps in Mourinho’s squad.
Jude Bellingham said the No 10 role is 'probably my best position', praising Mourinho for giving him the freedom to drop deep or stay high.
Yan Diomandé rejected offers from Liverpool and PSG before joining Real Madrid, with his agent saying the winger 'had no doubts' because it was his dream.
Fabrizio Romano said Liverpool approached Real Madrid for Endrick three weeks ago, but Los Blancos rejected the move and the forward was not available.
The piece argues Arda Güler’s strong starts on the right could limit not only Yan Diomandé’s minutes but also Trent Alexander-Arnold’s, with Denzel Dumfries favoured for balance.
Real Madrid have beaten Barcelona to sign Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martínez, 19, who will join Castilla with a view to a future first-team role.
Real Madrid made five changes to face Málaga, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Marc Cucurella, Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Díaz starting at the Santiago Bernabéu.
