Mourinho Evaluates Vinicius and Silva Following Pre-season Debuts in Budapest
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho addressed the fitness levels of stars Vinícius Júnior and Bernardo Silva following a friendly victory over Ferencváros. Both players faced criticism for their physical condition after joining the squad late following World Cup commitments.
Key takeaways
- Real Madrid secured a 2-1 friendly win over Ferencváros in Budapest with goals from Rivas and Espí.
- Mourinho admitted that Vinícius Júnior and Bernardo Silva are struggling with fitness after late returns from the World Cup.
- Bernardo Silva was moved to the number 10 position during the game because he lacked the strength for deeper midfield work.
- The manager intends to maintain a small 20-man squad as Rodrygo and Militão continue their recovery from injuries.
Match Summary: Real Madrid Secure Win in Hungary
Real Madrid claimed a 2-1 victory against Ferencváros at the Groupama Arena on Saturday. Mario Rivas and Carlos Espí provided the goals for the Spanish side, while Kenan Kodro managed a single response for the hosts. The fixture served as the initial pre-season appearance for several key figures returning from international duty.
Conditioning Concerns for Key Stars
Manager José Mourinho offered a frank assessment of the physical state of Vinícius Júnior and new arrival Bernardo Silva. Both athletes participated as second-half substitutes despite having only two weeks of training under their belts. Mourinho noted that he did not anticipate explosive displays, such as 50-meter runs or goals, given their current exhaustion levels.
Regarding Vinícius Júnior, Mourinho emphasized that his recent contract renewal provides a boost to the entire organization. However, the coach expects a gradual recovery of form, stating that the winger should show improved sharpness by the upcoming match against Deportivo La Coruña.
Tactical Adjustments for Bernardo Silva
The Portuguese tactician highlighted a distinct lack of physical strength in Bernardo Silva, who recently transferred from Manchester City. According to Mourinho, Silva tends to disconnect mentally and physically during holidays, leading to a significant drop in conditioning. Due to these limitations, Mourinho repositioned Silva from a deeper midfield role to the number 10 spot during the match, introducing Cestero to stabilize the formation.
Squad Strategy and Injuries
Mourinho values Silva's ability to occupy three or four different roles, which aligns with his preference for a compact squad of 20 players. This versatility is particularly useful as the team manages the absence of Rodrygo, Militão, and Ferland Mendy, none of whom are expected to return in the immediate future.
Key Facts
- Real Madrid defeated Ferencváros 2-1 with goals from Rivas and Espí.
- Vinícius Júnior and Bernardo Silva debuted this pre-season after just two weeks of training.
- Mourinho moved Silva to a forward attacking role to compensate for his low stamina.
- The club is currently operating without injured players Rodrygo, Militão, and Ferland.
Source: Goal.com
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