Real Madrid have started August with their focus firmly on reaching the opening weekend of La Liga in the best possible physical condition, with Jose Mourinho taking a particularly careful approach to Antonio Rudiger’s pre-season workload.
The Germany defender was left in Madrid for the friendly against Fiorentina as a precaution, despite returning to training on the same day as Endrick. The Brazilian forward travelled with the squad to Austria, while Rudiger remained behind, a decision that prompted considerable discussion among Real Madrid supporters.
Mourinho named a squad for the match without any senior centre-back. Dean Huijsen was unavailable because of minor discomfort, while Rudiger’s absence was described as a preventive measure rather than a sign of a new injury.
According to Real Madrid-focused outlet Defensa Central, the club’s intention is to preserve Rudiger’s fitness by avoiding unnecessary stress on both knees, which have previously caused him problems. The aim is to ensure the defender can perform at his highest level in the matches Mourinho considers most important for him to play.
Rudiger and Mourinho have therefore agreed on a measured pre-season programme, with no risks being taken and the defender expected to play only the number of minutes considered necessary. His workload is also being assessed in light of the strength of the squad, with Rudiger not expected to feature in 60 matches during the campaign, particularly after the signing of Ibrahima Konate.
The approach also helps explain Mourinho’s continued pressure on Real Madrid’s hierarchy to bring in another centre-back before the transfer window closes. The need for defensive reinforcements has increased following an injury to Raul Asencio, who was hurt a few days ago and is not expected to return until September.
Asencio’s absence leaves Real Madrid short of established options at the heart of defence, at least for the immediate part of pre-season. That situation has made the management of Rudiger’s minutes even more important, with the coaching staff determined not to expose him to avoidable physical strain before competitive football begins.
The decision to keep Rudiger in Madrid, while Endrick travelled with the team after returning to training at the same time, has attracted attention because both players appeared to be at a similar stage of their preparations. However, the club’s priority is to manage each player according to his individual physical needs rather than apply the same plan across the squad.
Mourinho’s preparations are consequently being shaped by two objectives: ensuring Real Madrid arrive at the start of La Liga in peak condition and maintaining enough defensive depth to cope with injuries and the demands of a long season. Rudiger’s carefully controlled involvement is central to that plan, while the situation surrounding Asencio will influence whether the club adds another defender.
