Raul Asencio talks Mourinho, Carvajal, Vinicius, Mbappe, Carlos Espi, Real Madrid move

Raul Asencio talks Mourinho, Carvajal, Vinicius, Mbappe, Carlos Espi, Real Madrid move Raul Asencio has offered a revealing insight into life at Real Madrid, discussing Jose Mourinho’s support during his injury recovery, his journey from the academy and the responsibility that comes with wearing the famous white shirt. The defender recently underwent surgery to correct a stress fracture in his right tibia, an issue he had been carrying since January.  Mourinho visited him in hospital soon after the operation, a gesture Asencio says made a major difference during a difficult period. “That visit gave me a real boost. In those moments of doubt, when you’re constantly worrying about how the recovery will go and how long I’ll be out of action, having Mou come and see me and show me that warmth we’ve all seen in the locker room since the start of the season is incredibly comforting.  “Mourinho is approachable, humble, kind, and ambitious. He’s a wonderful person, on a human level, in addition to being a great coach,” he told AS . Asencio reveals what Mourinho is really like Asencio also offered a different picture of Mourinho away from the public spotlight, insisting the Portuguese has quickly built a close relationship with the squad. Asencio has nothing but praise for Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “He’s just another person in the dressing room. From the outside, we footballers are seen as unapproachable and out of touch with reality, but in truth we’re just people. “We have this image of Mourinho from when I was a child, with that very strong character.  “But behind closed doors, he’s a wonderful person, funny, who wants to spend lots of time with us – and we with him. He’s just one of the lads in the dressing room.” The defender’s journey at Real Madrid began when he was just 14, having previously spent five years at the Las Palmas academy. Reflecting on his move to the club, he remembered, “Yes, as a child I moved into the Real Madrid training centre, where I met Alvaro Carreras, who’d come from Galicia. “When I lived in the Canary Islands, if I had a fever and felt ill, my mum was right there. But here you had to learn to cope on your own when you had problems.  “It’s a tough process, but it makes you mature sooner and helps you develop a cooler head from a young age. “Ever since I arrived here at the age of 14, you can feel the pressure that comes with this shirt, how they look after you, the incredible facilities. “The standards are incredibly high, and it’s thanks to those standards that Madrid is the best club in the world. And when the long-awaited debut for the first team finally comes, you’re ready to take that step.” Academy graduates and stars receive Asencio’s backing Asencio also explained why he immediately chose Dani Carvajal’s former No.2 shirt. “One of the lads here in charge of kit allocation rang me and told me that Dani’s ‘2’ was available. I didn’t even think twice about it. Asencio explains how he inherited Carvajal’s #2 shirt. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “I spoke to Carvajal. I sent Dani a message and told him, half-jokingly, that I hoped I wouldn’t disgrace his number. Dani has been a role model for all of us academy lads ever since we were little. “When you saw how he defended the badge, how he defended the club, how he gave his all on the pitch, what he was like as captain. “There are few players like him. Carvajal made a real impression on me and that’s why I didn’t hesitate. And now he’s a friend.” With Asencio, Alvaro Carreras and Thiago Pitarch among the academy graduates in the first-team squad, the defender believes more youngsters are ready to follow. “There are many young players ready to make the leap. Look at the youth team; they won everything last season. The important thing is that they’re prepared for when their opportunity comes, just like it did for me.” Asencio also addressed the pressure around Real Madrid’s difficult start to the season and sent a message to fans. “This has only just begun. This is a long road. Many things will happen, and everything can change.  “We understand the fans’ expectations, and we share them because it’s thanks to them that we are the most decorated club in the world.  “We are going to work harder and talk less to prove it on the pitch. With good results, the fans will get hooked on the team again. “It hurts me not to be able to help right now. I understand that Real Madrid fans may have felt disappointed in me at some point, but I will do everything possible to turn things around.” On Vinicius and Mbappe Asked when Vinicius Jr. can rediscover his best form, Asencio backed his teammate. Asencio has backed Vinicius and Mbappe. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) “Vini is Vini and he always will be. Vini has a special aura. Everyone in the locker room loves him. Everyone. It’s incredible.  “But we players aren’t robots. We’re people. He might not be the same Vini he was two years ago, but he’ll be back because we see it every day.” The defender also backed Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or, stating, “It would be fair. I see it every day; for me, he’s the best player of all the nominees. Football-wise, Kylian is the best. The top scorer in every category. It’s an individual award.” Finally, Asencio offered advice to Carlos Espi after the Levante striker experienced a similar disappointment with Spain. He was called up by Luis de la Fuente, but did not feature in any Nations League match. “I spoke with him the other day and told him to enjoy this experience because it’s unique. Just being there is incredible. I haven’t experienced it since… although there’s still time.  “If Carlos keeps this up, he’ll have many opportunities with Spain. He’s humble, calm, and every time he plays, he scores key goals for the team,” he concluded.