Jose Mourinho makes startling admission about Real Madrid stars at the 2026 World Cup

Although he has not yet officially begun work on the training pitch, Mourinho is keen to get the best out of one of the most talented squads in world football and find the formula to avoid the difficulties that affected the club, following the departure of Álvaro Arbeloa. 

Mourinho sends a message World Cup players: "I want them to lose"

Real Madrid

In an interview given on the podcast 'Beast Mode On', hosted by Adebayo Akinfenwa, Mourinho made one of his most striking remarks when asked about the Real Madrid players still competing at the 2026 World Cup.

"Do you want the truth? I want the Real Madrid players to lose and go on holiday. Because I want the lads back for pre-season", he said, reflecting his eagerness to have the full squad available as soon as possible ahead of the new campaign.

The manager also addressed the comments he had read about the alleged dressing-room problems during the previous season. "I read some things saying that José is coming here and is going to cut some of the best players who supposedly had problems during the season.

"No, I want these players, I want the best", he said.

"I have to find a way to have a team and not have the problems that, from what I read, they had in previous seasons", the Portuguese coach added, insisting that he wants to find the right key to make the team function perfectly.

Mourinho also explained the qualities he looks for in his players ahead of the coming season.

"A great player must be the complete package: technically gifted, physically and mentally strong, and capable of playing as part of a team. Sometimes you have many like that in your squad and it is paradise - other times you have fewer and the work becomes much harder", he concluded.

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