José Mourinho has been questioned about possible leaks surrounding his starting line-ups before matches, a subject that caused major controversy during his first spell at Real Madrid in the early 2010s.
The Casillas Precedent
During Mourinho’s first spell at Real Madrid, the issue of leaked team selections became a particularly sensitive topic. At the time, Iker Casillas was eventually dropped from the squad, while speculation circulated that information from inside the dressing room was being passed to the media.
Several reports suggested that the legendary goalkeeper and club captain may have been sharing Mourinho’s starting line-ups with his then-partner, journalist Sara Carbonero. Those claims were never officially confirmed, but they generated considerable controversy and were widely believed to have deeply frustrated the Portuguese manager.
Years later, Mourinho has once again been asked about the possibility of his team selections being leaked before matches.
This time, however, the Real Madrid coach appeared much calmer about the subject. Speaking during his press conference, Mourinho explained that seeing his starting XI revealed a few hours before kick-off is not necessarily a major concern.
“If we arrive at the match and, until an hour and a half before kick-off, the opponent does not know our team, I prefer that,” Mourinho explained. “But if our team comes out today, for me it is not dramatic. What concerns me is when you make many structural changes.”
Mourinho gave several examples of situations in which a leak could become much more problematic. Switching to a three-man defence or unexpectedly pairing Carlos Espí with Kylian Mbappé in attack, for instance, would represent significant tactical information for the opposition.
By contrast, whether Marc Cucurella or Álvaro Carreras starts at left-back does not particularly worry him.
Players… and Doctors
“The difference between playing Cucurella or Carreras is not dramatic for me,” Mourinho continued. “If the team does not come out, it gives you a positive feeling because it means the players have not spoken and the doctors have kept their mouths shut.”
Toda la plantilla del Real Madrid comiendo JUNTOS.
— (fan) REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) August 29, 2026
ESTAMOS MUY DE VUELTA 🥹😍 pic.twitter.com/eGulmrbOSa
The Portuguese coach even confirmed one change to his starting XI ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Malaga.
Cucurella will start the match, while Carreras will begin on the bench after featuring from the opening whistle against both Espanyol and Real Sociedad.
Mourinho was far less willing to reveal his plans for Yan Diomandé.
The winger arrived late in the summer following a complicated period and has already been given some playing time in Real Madrid’s opening two matches. He could potentially be handed his first start, although Mourinho may once again decide to introduce him during the second half.
The Real Madrid boss also discussed the growing understanding between Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
Once again, Mourinho insisted that the team must never be reduced to its biggest individual stars.
“The team’s dynamic is not two plus nine,” he said. “It involves all 11 players.”
It was another reminder of Mourinho’s central message since returning to Madrid: individual quality matters, but the collective structure, discipline and balance of the team remain above everything else.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to react.