New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham can play together, despite admitting that finding the right tactical system for the trio could prove difficult.
Mourinho is preparing for the start of his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu and faces the same selection challenge that contributed to Xabi Alonso’s struggles at the club.
Real Madrid’s star-studded squad became a problem for Alonso as he attempted to find the balance needed to include Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius in the same starting XI. Mourinho will now try to solve that conundrum before Saturday’s La Liga opener against Espanyol, on 22 August.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the match, Mourinho rejected the suggestion that the three players are incompatible. However, he acknowledged that creating an effective shape around them may require tactical adjustment.
“They are incredible players and incredible players want to play with incredible players. Top players have frustration when they play with teammates who are not top,” he said.
“The best want to play with the best. After the tactical adjustments, it might be a little bit more difficult.”
Mourinho said the challenge was to ensure all three players could operate comfortably in the same team.
“It’s harder (for Mourinho) to find the perfect set-up for all three. It’s harder. But here we are. I want all three of them to feel comfortable on the field together,” he added.
Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius are among Real Madrid’s leading attacking talents, but their ability to combine effectively will be an early test for Mourinho as he begins his return to the Spanish club.
The Portuguese manager remains confident that their individual quality will outweigh any tactical complications and believes supporters will quickly appreciate the trio’s partnership.
“I’m very confident that you’ll say it’s great when the three play together because they’re high-quality players, and I don’t think their positions are incompatible either,” he said.
Mourinho also expressed optimism about the season ahead, insisting that the presence of the three players gives Real Madrid a strong platform.
“I’m very confident that we’re going to have a great season with them.”
The first opportunity to assess Mourinho’s solution will come against Espanyol, when Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign with attention focused on how Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius are deployed together.
