Mourinho’s firm message to Real Madrid players on defensive improvement: ‘Won’t win titles if…’

Mourinho’s firm message to Real Madrid players on defensive improvement: ‘Won’t win titles if…’ Real Madrid have completed a significant defensive and tactical improvement under Jose Mourinho, winning all eight matches between the October and November international breaks.  Notably, the turnaround has not just been about scoring more goals because Real Madrid have also become more controlled in possession, conceded fewer shots on target and recovered the defensive stability needed to challenge for major trophies. In fact, according to AS (h/t Madrid Xtra ), the turnaround has come after Mourinho reportedly told his players, “We won’t win titles if we don’t keep clean sheets. It’s not only about scoring goals.”  The change follows a difficult start to the campaign and shows Mourinho’s decision to strengthen the midfield , which in turn has tightened the defence.  Notably, it was the comeback against Roma and the victory over Barcelona in El Clasico that convinced him to adopt a system built around the physical presence of Aurelien Tchouameni and Bernardo Silva, while allowing the latter to operate alongside Arda Güler. Greater possession is helping protect Courtois Jose Mourinho has really transformed Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) One of the clearest signs of Real Madrid’s improvement has been the reduction in opportunities allowed to opponents.  Against Valencia, Thibaut Courtois faced only two shots on target, while Racing Santander managed just one.  To put it in perspective, Barcelona registered six shots on target during El Clasico, when Madrid had less possession but still secured the victory. Mourinho’s team has also recorded three clean sheets in their last five La Liga matches, against Villarreal, Racing Santander and Valencia.  That was a notable improvement on the period before the previous international break in September and October, when they managed only one clean sheet in eight matches across all competitions. The outlet mentions that possession has also become an important part of that defensive improvement, as Real Madrid controlled 70% of the ball against Valencia, their highest possession figure of the season at the time.  Thibaut Courtois is now facing fewer shots on goal. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) Rather than relying solely on their defenders to deal with opposition attacks, Mourinho’s team is limiting the opportunities opponents have to create danger. Mourinho’s midfield changes are delivering results Meanwhile, tactical adjustments have also improved Real Madrid’s ability to recover possession.  Against Racing, the team recorded a season-high 19 interceptions, while they led La Liga in the percentage of duels won, at 57.1%. These numbers alone suggest that Real Madrid’s improvement is not simply a consequence of keeping the ball for longer.  Rather, the team is also competing more effectively when possession is lost, pressing opponents and winning individual battles to regain control. Indeed, the eight consecutive victories provide evidence of the progress, but the more significant development is the change in how Madrid are now controlling games.