Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has called for patience with teenage winger Yan Diomandé, saying the Ivorian needs time to adapt rather than being judged immediately on his €140m transfer fee.
Diomandé, 19, joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig during the summer in a deal worth €140m. However, his introduction to La Liga has been gradual, with the Ivory Coast international making only three appearances for the Spanish club so far.
His limited involvement has already placed the teenager under scrutiny because of the enormous fee attached to his move.
Mourinho, however, believes expectations surrounding the youngster need to be managed carefully.
Following Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Malaga, the Portuguese coach urged supporters and observers not to demand an immediate transformation from the teenager.
“Calm down. He needs to take it step by step,” he said.
Diomandé has been used as a substitute during his first three La Liga appearances, playing 20 minutes in his first outing, 15 in his second and 30 in his third.
For Mourinho, those limited opportunities provide an important reason not to expect the winger to immediately perform at the level of an established Real Madrid player.
The manager acknowledged that the size of the transfer fee naturally creates a different level of expectation, but argued that Diomandé should not be judged solely against the price paid to sign him.
“Generally, when we talk about such a high price, we’re talking about a player who arrives and crushes everything from the start. That’s not the case with him ,” Mourinho said.
The comments underline Mourinho’s belief that Diomandé’s development should be viewed over time rather than through the early results of his Real Madrid career.
The young Ivorian is still adapting to a new club after arriving from RB Leipzig and is being given limited minutes as he begins life in La Liga.
Mourinho is particularly encouraged by the winger’s approach to his development. The coach appreciates his attitude and willingness to learn, qualities he believes can help the youngster progress despite his lack of experience.
At 19, Diomandé remains at an early stage of his career. Mourinho considers some of his decisions on the pitch to be the result of his youth and believes greater exposure to top-level football will help him develop.
Rather than placing additional pressure on the teenager, the manager intends to introduce him gradually and allow his abilities to develop naturally.
The situation represents an important challenge for the young Ivorian.
A €140m price tag inevitably attracts attention, particularly at a club such as Real Madrid, where expectations are extremely high. Yet Diomandé has made only three league appearances and has not been given enough playing time to make a sustained impact.
