Mourinho’s Real Madrid Reset Faces Early Tactical Tests

1. Finding greater control in midfield

One of Mourinho’s clearest challenges is finding the right balance between defensive security and creativity.

In the Madrid derby, he started Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde in midfield, with Jude Bellingham positioned further forward. The setup provided energy and protection but, according to BBC’s analysis, did not give Madrid enough control over the tempo or sufficient creativity from deeper positions.

Bernardo Silva was introduced late in the match, while Arda Güler represents another creative option.

The issue for Mourinho is therefore not simply choosing individual players but finding a midfield structure capable of controlling games against opponents who defend compactly.

2. Getting Mbappé and Vinícius working together

Real Madrid possess considerable attacking talent in Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, but the challenge is making their qualities complement one another consistently.

Against Atlético, Madrid struggled to generate clear chances. Mbappé had limited involvement, while Vinícius was substituted after Huijsen’s dismissal.

Mourinho has also publicly discussed Vinícius’ form. On September 14, he said the Brazilian was working well but had yet to reproduce what he called his highest level of performance.

That leaves Mourinho with a tactical question: how can he give his principal attackers enough freedom without allowing their positions to overlap or leaving the midfield disconnected?

3. Improving defensive transitions

Another concern is what happens immediately after Madrid lose possession.

The team wants to press and attack with intensity, but that approach can leave spaces behind the midfield when possession changes hands.

Against Atlético, Madrid were repeatedly exposed during transitions. Huijsen’s red card subsequently made the task more difficult, but the defensive problems were already visible before the dismissal. Reuters reported that Mourinho’s main complaint after the derby centered on two challenges he believed should have resulted in red cards, while Atlético ultimately won 2-1.

The challenge is to maintain an aggressive attacking approach without making the team vulnerable when the first press is beaten.

4. Finding another attacking option

The early emergence of Carlos Espí gives Mourinho another selection possibility.

The young forward scored late winners against Espanyol and Elche, according to BBC’s assessment, demonstrating his potential impact when introduced.

With Madrid still working out the balance between Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham, Espí could provide a different type of attacking option when Mourinho wants greater presence in the penalty area.

Whether he becomes a regular part of the rotation remains a decision for the manager.

5. Turning possession into consistent chances

Madrid’s early-season performances have shown a contrast between their attacking potential and their ability to control matches.

There have already been examples of Mourinho adjusting his approach successfully. In the victory over Real Sociedad, Federico Valverde said the team changed its pressing approach at half-time, allowing Madrid to recover the ball higher up the pitch and subsequently take greater control. Mbappé scored a hat-trick in that match.

The Atlético defeat, however, showed that those solutions have not yet become consistent across different opponents.