MADRID — José Mourinho expressed satisfaction with Real Madrid's recent performance, saying the squad is "looking like a team," according to ESPN Deportes. The comment came after a friendly match that ended in a comfortable victory.
The match, which ESPN Deportes and other outlets covered, was the club's final preseason fixture before the competitive season begins. Real Madrid's official website described the result as a heavy win, though specific scoreline details were not included in the available reporting.
Mourinho's remarks suggest a growing sense of unity within the group as preparations wrap up. He indicated that the team's shape and collective effort are coming together at the right time, per the ESPN Deportes report.
The win also featured the return of Kylian Mbappé, who reportedly made an impact on the game. Spanish outlet Diario AS noted his presence with a headline referencing his departure, while EL PAÍS wrote that Mbappé's return "ignited" Real Madrid in the victory over Schalke. MARCA echoed the sentiment, saying Mourinho saw what he wanted to see from his players.
The preseason finale appears to have given Mourinho reason for optimism. The team's attacking output and Mbappé's involvement were highlighted across multiple reports, suggesting the forward is integrating well after a period away.
With the friendly schedule now complete, attention turns to the start of the official campaign. Mourinho's confidence in the squad's development will be tested once competitive matches begin, and the early signs point to a side finding its rhythm under his guidance.
What to watch next: how Real Madrid carry this preseason momentum into their opening competitive fixture.
