Former Real Madrid academy midfielder Borja Valero has shared his thoughts on several of Real Madrid’s biggest storylines in an interview with AS, discussing José Mourinho’s return to the club, the pursuit of Rodri, the arrival of Yan Diomande, and what he expects from Los Blancos’ upcoming preseason friendly against Fiorentina.
Valero admitted that Mourinho’s return surprised him, but believes the Portuguese manager is the right choice to restore Real Madrid to competing for every major trophy.
“Obviously,
Mourinho’s return caught my attention, as I think it did for almost everyone. But the president has seen him as the key to getting back on the winning track. Real Madrid is the most demanding club in the world and isn’t satisfied with just winning a Cup or Super Cup… you have to be at your best every year. Even if you’ve won the Champions League, it’s quickly forgotten, because within months you already want to win it again. Now, Mourinho has been identified as the manager who can make the team compete for everything again. And after a difficult year, with different coaches… I hope Mou can be the key to fighting again. As a Real Madrid fan, I hope to be able to travel to a Champions League final, like I did last time.”
He also praised Mourinho’s ability to manage elite dressing rooms, suggesting that his leadership off the pitch is one of his greatest strengths.
“Off the field, there are certainly few who handle situations like Mourinho. What you see on the field is quite subjective. But it’s true that outside, in the locker room, he’s someone who can absolutely control a locker room like Real Madrid’s. And that’s probably why people say he’s the right person for this moment.”
Turning to Real Madrid’s midfield, Valero said the club still needs a player capable of replacing the qualities lost following Toni Kroos’ departure, naming Manchester City’s Rodri as the ideal candidate.
“After losing Kroos, Real Madrid needs reinforcements in that position. A player who can dominate the midfield and orchestrate the game. Rodri, besides recently winning the Ballon d’Or, has won the World Cup and is a role model. He would be a fantastic player for Real Madrid, but I don’t think it will be easy to sign him. However, in terms of quality and leadership, he would be an ideal player.”
Valero also reacted to the signing of Yan Diomande, stressing that adapting to life at Real Madrid is often a greater challenge than many people realize.
“Diomande’s signing? Another surprise! But the important thing, in the end, is that beyond what’s been done in the past, he has to adapt well to the club. People from the outside don’t really grasp what it’s like to be a Real Madrid player. What it entails, the pressure involved. And that the important thing is knowing how to live with it. We’ll see if he’s able to prove he’s a player for this club. And let’s hope all of this comes to pass. That he adapts, settles in, and can deliver what we’ve seen him do at other clubs. But it’s not easy to do what you’ve been doing elsewhere at Real Madrid. It’s a different place, a different kind of pressure. And not all players are up to the task. They’re not all prepared for that challenge.”
Finally, Valero looked ahead to Real Madrid’s preseason meeting with his former team Fiorentina, expecting the tempo to improve as Mourinho’s squad continues to build fitness.
“I expect the pace to pick up (in tomorrow’s Real Madrid vs Fiorentina friendly). It’s normal that in the first few preseason matches, with so much work in your legs, even if your mind wants to go fast… your body doesn’t keep up. And that affects the rhythm of the game. But I think that as the days go by, the matches will become more intense. Fiorentina has been training well for some time and can be a team that challenges Real Madrid. So, that will also motivate them, making them want to prove themselves to Mourinho. All of this will be reflected in the match.”
