Three-week international break a concern – Mourinho

Real Madrid's manager Jose Mourinho expressed concerns about the upcoming three-week international break in September, stating it will significantly impact his players' availability. Mourinho emphasized his worry for players who join national teams without securing regular game time, as opposed to those who are actively involved.

He acknowledged that player welfare and travel considerations played a role in the decision to eliminate the traditional October break in favor of a longer international window in late September and early October. Mourinho highlighted that some of his Real Madrid squad members, including Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella and Kylian Mbappe, have experienced demanding summers, and the club is working to manage their workload to minimize injury risks.

Mourinho also praised Bellingham, acknowledging his mental strength, tactical ability, and versatility. The manager discussed the Ballon d'Or debate, asserting that a player's lasting impact on the game should be the primary factor in determining the recipient, rather than merely winning high-profile tournaments like the Champions League or World Cup.