Real Madrid intensified preparations for the 2026/27 season on 4 August 2026, with Vinícius Júnior speaking positively about his early work under new head coach José Mourinho.
The Brazilian international completed his second day of preseason at Ciudad Real Madrid and said the opening sessions had allowed him to become familiar with Mourinho, the coaching staff and the club’s new players.
According to Vinícius, Mourinho wants him to retain the happiness, confidence and expressive playing style that have defined his football. The forward’s comments provide an early indication of how the Portuguese coach intends to manage one of Real Madrid’s most influential attacking players.
Vinícius explained that physical preparation was one of the team’s immediate priorities. Real Madrid want their players to build sufficient fitness before the competitive season begins, reducing the likelihood of injuries and increasing the number of players available throughout the campaign.
The squad had completed two training sessions on the previous day before conducting a single demanding workout on Tuesday. The 4 August programme included gym exercises and short, intensive drills designed to place additional physical load on the players’ legs.
Vinícius acknowledged that the session left the squad tired but stressed that the workload was a normal and necessary part of preseason preparation.
The players available to Mourinho began the session in the gym before moving onto the training pitch alongside a group of academy footballers.
They completed activation exercises followed by possession and ball-circulation drills. The coaching staff then introduced combined passing and finishing exercises using small goals.
The session ended with a series of matches played in reduced spaces. These small-sided games are commonly used to improve quick decision-making, passing accuracy, pressing and movement in congested areas.
Not every member of the squad completed the full group programme. Dean Huijsen worked individually both indoors and on the pitch, while Franco Mastantuono trained inside the facilities.
Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and Rodrygo continued with their respective recovery programmes.
The fitness of those players will be closely monitored as Mourinho prepares his team for the approaching season. Having a strong and healthy squad will be important as Real Madrid expect to compete across domestic and international competitions.
The early comments from Vinícius also place attention on his developing relationship with Mourinho. The coach is known for demanding tactical discipline and a strong collective structure, while Vinícius is at his best when given opportunities to attack defenders with speed and creativity.
Successfully combining those qualities could become an important part of Real Madrid’s approach during the new campaign.
