Real Madrid star players are compatible - Mourinho

New Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho expressed confidence that his team's star forwards, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, can play together effectively. He acknowledged the tactical complexities that his predecessors faced in balancing the attack and defense with these high-profile players.

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They are incredible players and incredible players want to play with incredible players.

Mourinho stated that "incredible players want to play with incredible players," but admitted that finding a system where all three feel comfortable on the pitch will be a challenge. He noted that while previous coaches found specific setups for individual stars with their national teams, integrating all three at Real Madrid requires a different approach. "We're on it," Mourinho assured reporters, "I want the three, when all three play, to feel comfortable on the pitch."

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Tactically, it could be tricky. Ancelotti has found a set-up with Brazil perfect for Vini, (Didier) Deschamps has found one with France perfect for Kylian, (Thomas) Tuchel one perfect for Jude, it’s harder for Mourinho to do it for the three of them.

However, the Portuguese manager also issued a clear warning to his squad: defense is a collective responsibility. "We have to defend with 11 players," he stressed. "If a team is pushing us back and giving us problems in our final third, we all have to defend." Mourinho also prepared his players for potential frustration regarding team selection, stating that he expects difficult decisions and that players must individually and collectively accept being benched.

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We’re on it. I want the three, when all three play, to feel comfortable on the pitch… they are three players of great quality.

"I hope each game is difficult for me, because they keep working in the way they are working," Mourinho said, emphasizing his desire for competition. He warned that any player who lowers their level due to frustration will make his decisions easier, but not in the way he desires. The coach aims for hard decisions driven by player performance, ensuring the team navigates moments of frustration effectively.

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They don’t play in incompatible positions. We will have a great season with them.