7 clear changes at Real Madrid after Mourinho's arrival

Real Madrid have made a perfect start to the Spanish league, collecting 9 points from their first 3 matches. However, beyond the results, there have been many signs indicating clear changes in the team's performance and character since José Mourinho returned to the managerial role.

Despite the fact that improving Real Madrid's level compared to the last two seasons was not an impossible task, the real challenge was to implement these transformations within a club that does not grant coaches much time, especially when it comes to rebuilding the team.

Marca has reported on the reasons behind Real Madrid's strong start and what has changed this season with the arrival of José Mourinho.

Courtois experiences a quieter start.

Thibaut Courtois appears to be under less pressure compared to last season. The Belgian goalkeeper has played the first three matches and only needed to make five saves, with two against Espanyol, two against Real Sociedad, and one against Málaga. Most importantly, Real Madrid has not required any extraordinary interventions from Courtois to avoid stumbling, which is an indicator of the improved defensive work of the team.

Bellingham regains his best form.

Jude Bellingham has made an exceptional start to the season, particularly noted during the match against Málaga when he left the pitch to a huge ovation from the fans at Santiago Bernabéu. The English star is not only delivering impressive numbers, but he also appears to be more influential and lively on the pitch, looking as if he is playing with a stronger engine than most of his teammates. His brilliance reflects a regained confidence that he had lost during the previous period.

A different character for the team.

One of the most notable changes seen with Mourinho is the players' mentality during matches. Real Madrid no longer displays the same indifference that dominated some periods of last season, even when the team is ahead or when the match is not going as planned. There is now a greater desire to maintain focus and pressure until the end. Additionally, Jude Bellingham's frustration with the team's decline in performance during the final minutes against Málaga reflects the ambition and rigor that Mourinho wants to instill within the group.

All team members are fully ready.

Mourinho focuses on the importance of having all players ready to participate, not just the key elements, as the Portuguese coach wants the substitutes to be a source of strength for the team rather than a problem. This has already started to show, with most of the available players getting minutes since the start of the season. The substitutes have also begun to make their mark, with both İspanyol and Arda Güler scoring impactful goals after coming off the bench.

Federico Valverde is back in action.

Federico Valverde appears to have regained his best form. The Uruguayan midfielder is making a strong start and is showing a more impactful presence in midfield after gaining greater freedom of movement. Additionally, the presence of players like Bernardo Silva and Camavinga alongside him provides him with different roles, and the result is that Real Madrid has regained one of its most important assets in midfield.

The full-backs are regaining their strength.

The full-back position has seen notable development at the start of the season, with Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold delivering impressive performances. Dumfries provides the team with strength, speed, and the ability to push forward, while Trent adds significant quality in passing and playmaking.

On the other hand, Marc Cucurella has appeared well during his appearances, giving Real Madrid a strong option at left-back and alleviating the problems the team faced in that position last season.

A different relationship with the Bernabéu fans.

Bernabéu fans appear more resolute after two disappointing seasons, showing clear confidence in Mourinho's project. They conveyed their message since the match against Real Sociedad, while Mourinho believes that some boos are not necessarily a negative thing, but could be a way to maintain a high level of pressure and ambition.

After three consecutive wins, Real Madrid is sending clear signals that the team has indeed changed, both in terms of character and intensity, as well as competing for every ball. However, the real test will be whether Mourinho and his players can maintain this level throughout the season.