Real Madrid to face Real Sociedad
Madrid, AFP - After a hard-fought opening away victory against Espanyol (2-1) in the second round, Real Madrid will play their first home match today against Real Sociedad. The game was originally scheduled for the first round of the Spanish league but was postponed due to the delayed return of international players following their participation in the World Cup held in North America.
On the eve of the match, Real Madrid’s Portuguese manager, Jose Mourinho, expressed his satisfaction with his squad, which he considers complete, despite failing to sign midfielder Rodri, who moved to rivals Barcelona.
The “White Team” made extensive changes to their squad this summer, signing six players, including Ivory Coast’s Youn Deumandi, Portugal’s Bernardo Silva, and Marc Cucurella.
However, Real Madrid’s attempt to sign Rodri collapsed, meaning that alongside former Manchester City playmaker Silva, they did not strengthen their midfield.
Mourinho told journalists, “For me, the squad is complete, but the transfer market is still open. You never know if a player will sit on the bench twice and decide to leave.”
He added, “Theoretically, no (more transfers)... but something can always happen... In my mind, the squad is completely complete, and I have not asked for anyone to be signed. I am very happy with the players I have.”
Mourinho confirmed that French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will get some rest to be able to “return at 100 percent,” after suffering a thigh injury during the 2026 World Cup.
Tchouameni missed the team’s group training sessions on the eve of his first home match at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Spanish league, as he had not physically recovered enough to return to competition, according to the club’s new-old manager.
Mourinho said, “It’s not about a new setback to his injury, but he suffered a lot in the World Cup. He missed several matches, then returned in the semi-final (against Spain), and took a risk.”
He added, “He tried to return, and he wanted to, and he could have continued, but you can’t start a season without having recovered from the physical strain.”
He continued, “We decided, with him and the coaching staff, that it is better to be a little patient so that he can return at 100 percent within a week or two.”
