Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham can play together successfully, despite admitting it will be difficult to find the “perfect set-up” for the three attacking stars.
Mourinho, 63, was confirmed as Real Madrid’s manager for a second spell in June and will be tasked with restoring the club’s fortunes after a turbulent previous campaign. The Spanish side are aiming to win back the La Liga title from Barcelona, who have secured the championship in each of the past two seasons.
Real Madrid’s last campaign was affected by chaos, including unrest among supporters and allegations that players had fought at the Bernabeu. Mourinho said the club would need the contribution of all three of its leading players if it is to challenge Barcelona again.
Speaking before Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol on Saturday, Mourinho acknowledged the tactical challenge of selecting Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Bellingham in the same starting XI.
“They are incredible players and incredible players want to play with incredible players. Top players have frustration when they play with teammates who are not top.
“The best want to play with the best. After the tactical adjustments, it might be a little bit more difficult,” he added.
The three players have already recognised that combining their individual strengths is not always straightforward. Before Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich last season, Bellingham said he could find it difficult to perform at his best when he, Mbappe and Vinicius Jr were all on the pitch together.
Asked about playing alongside the two forwards, Bellingham said: “It’s difficult, because I still feel like there have been many games where we’ve mixed really well.”
“It can be difficult when we’re all on the same side. We’re fluid, we have freedom to move around, at times that can disorganise a bit, but with both of them, you have to trust in their ability.”
Mourinho said the three players had operated in “perfect” roles for their respective countries at the World Cup. However, he accepted that reproducing those arrangements in the same Real Madrid team would require more work.
Mbappe represents France, Vinicius Jr plays for Brazil and Bellingham is an England international.
“It’s harder for Mourinho to find the perfect set-up for all three. It’s harder. But here we are. I want all three of them to feel comfortable on the field together,” he said.
The Real Madrid manager insisted that the players’ positions were not fundamentally incompatible and expressed confidence that their quality would eventually allow the team to benefit from their partnership.
“I’m very confident that you’ll say it’s great when the three play together because they’re high-quality players, and I don’t think their positions are incompatible either.
“I’m very confident that we’re going to have a great season with them.”
