Mourinho turns set pieces into a key weapon at Real Madrid

José Mourinho has shown that set pieces have become one of Real Madrid's key weapons this season, as the team scored 3 goals in just over 7 minutes against AS Roma, all from set pieces executed by Turkish player Arda Güler, in an exceptional comeback that reflected the great work being done at the Valdebebas training center.

Real Madrid have scored 7 goals from set pieces in their first 10 matches of the season, including 4 goals in La Liga, comprising 1 from a corner and 3 from free kicks, alongside the 3 goals witnessed in the thrilling encounter against AS Roma.

These figures reveal a clear development compared to last season, when Real Madrid scored 12 goals from set pieces in La Liga, with 6 goals from corners and another 6 from free kicks, under the management of Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa.

Pedro Machado is leading the work related to attacking set pieces at Real Madrid, with the rest of the coaching staff participating under Mourinho's supervision, who gives the final approval on the implementation of the plans and tactics being trained. Meanwhile, Sami Khedira plays a prominent role in organizing the defense against set pieces.

Machado is working alongside João Tralhão, one of Mourinho's closest assistants, after they were previously together at Fenerbahçe before moving to SL Benfica and then Real Madrid. The coaching staff also includes fitness coach António Dias, analyst Roberto Meireles, and goalkeeper coach Nuno Santos, forming a group that combines experience and ambition.

The impact of this work was evident early in José Mourinho's tenure with the team, when Jude Bellingham scored a header against Espanyol in the 9th minute, following a free kick taken by Güler. The Portuguese manager celebrated the goal by quickly turning to his assistants, a clear sign of his appreciation for the teamwork behind these details.

Güler plays a key role in executing set pieces thanks to the accuracy of his left foot, while Bernardo Silva, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diomande can take some set pieces depending on the match circumstances and the strategy in place.

The coaching staff dedicates hours during the week to practice set pieces, reviewing movements and strategies in the final training session before each match, and adjusting them according to the opponent's strengths and weaknesses.

Real Madrid are paying greater attention to details in major matches, such as derby games, El Clásico, and crucial rounds in the UEFA Champions League and finals, which can be decided by a narrow margin. In Mourinho's calculations, the coaching staff does not leave these details to chance, but rather tries to turn them into a real advantage on the pitch.