Mourinho Confirms Brahim Diaz’s Return to Real Madrid Training as Pre-Season Squad Nears Full Strength
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has confirmed that Moroccan international Brahim Diaz will return to the club’s pre-season training camp on Monday after completing his extended summer break, providing a significant boost to the Spanish giants as preparations for the new campaign continue.
The Portuguese tactician acknowledged that the absence of several first-team players has slowed the team’s tactical preparations, admitting that having a complete squad available would have made the pre-season programme more productive. Nevertheless, Mourinho expressed optimism that the gradual return of key players, including Vinícius Júnior and Bernardo, will allow the team to intensify preparations ahead of the competitive season.
Speaking to the club’s official media after Real Madrid’s entertaining 2–2 friendly draw against Italian side Fiorentina, Mourinho highlighted the challenges of managing a squad whose players have returned at different times due to international commitments and extended holidays.
“I’m concerned about not having everyone, and I would like to have three weeks of work with the others. It’s not possible. On Monday, Vini Jr., Brahim, and Bernardo will arrive,” Mourinho stated.
The pre-season encounter against Fiorentina provided another valuable opportunity for players already in camp to improve their match fitness and adapt to Mourinho’s tactical demands. Young Brazilian forward Endrick and Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries were among those who featured prominently, as the Real Madrid manager continued evaluating his available options.
Despite the positive signs from the friendly, Mourinho stressed that the team’s full tactical development will only begin once the remaining international stars report for duty. Until then, the coaching staff will continue working with the current group while carefully integrating returning players into the squad.
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“Dumfries, Carlos, and Endrick will already have a few more days of work. Little by little, until the boys who played in the World Cup semifinals and final arrive, with the final being only Cucurella,” Mourinho added.
For Brahim Diaz, the return to training represents more than simply rejoining his teammates—it marks the beginning of another important chapter in his Real Madrid career. The Moroccan playmaker enjoyed an active 2025–26 campaign, making 42 appearances across all competitions. Although he was primarily deployed as a rotational player, he consistently made meaningful contributions whenever called upon.
In La Liga, Diaz featured in 30 matches, scoring one goal and providing six assists while showcasing his creativity, technical ability, and versatility across the attacking positions. His performances reinforced his reputation as one of the club’s most reliable squad players.
However, with fierce competition for places in Real Madrid’s star-studded attacking lineup, Diaz enters the new season determined to secure a more consistent place in Mourinho’s starting eleven. His return to pre-season training offers a fresh opportunity to impress the coaching staff, compete for regular minutes, and establish himself as a key figure in the squad.
As more international players return over the coming days, Real Madrid’s preparations for the new season are expected to gather momentum, with Mourinho eager to assemble his strongest squad ahead of the club’s domestic and European challenges.
