Trent Alexander-Arnold thriving under Mourinho's intense Real Madrid preseason
Synopsis
Trent Alexander-Arnold is already buying into Jose Mourinho's demanding preseason blueprint at Real Madrid — describing sessions as intense, the principles as exacting, and the coach as someone he has long admired. With World Cup absentees yet to return, Mourinho is using the window to lay his tactical foundations early.
Key Takeaways
Trent Alexander-Arnold described Real Madrid's preseason under Jose Mourinho as 'intense' with 'very high' levels of demand.
Mourinho is in his second spell as Madrid coach, returning 13 years after first leaving the club.
Training sessions as of 17 July have featured double sessions combining gym work, possession drills, pressing exercises, and running circuits.
Several first-team players remain absent, still competing at the World Cup ; academy players have been integrated into sessions.
Alexander-Arnold, who missed England's World Cup squad, said the focus is on fitness and adapting to Mourinho's tactical system ahead of the 2026/27 season .
Trent Alexander-Arnold has embraced the demanding start to preseason at Real Madrid, saying the intensity and high standards set by new head coach Jose Mourinho are exactly what he expected as the club gears up for the 2026/27 season.
Alexander-Arnold's Early Impressions
'Everything is going well. It's hot, and the intensity is high,' Alexander-Arnold told Real Madrid's official website. 'This is what we expected. There are a lot of tough sessions, so it has been intense so far.'
The former Liverpool right back, who missed out on England's World Cup squad, said he was content to return to training ahead of his teammates still on international duty. His early availability has allowed him to bed in quickly under Mourinho's methods.
What Mourinho's Preseason Looks Like
Madrid's squad — supplemented by a group of academy players in the absence of World Cup participants — has completed double sessions combining gym work, joint warm-ups, possession and pressing drills, finishing exercises in mini-goals, and running circuits. The structure reflects Mourinho's well-documented emphasis on tactical discipline and physical conditioning from day one.
'It's intense. The principles and the level of demand are very high. The more we get to know each other, the more we learn and the more he can teach us,' Alexander-Arnold said.
Admiration for Mourinho
Alexander-Arnold was candid about his respect for the Portuguese manager, who has returned to the Santiago Bernabéu for a second spell — 13 years after first departing the club. 'I have always admired the coach,' he said. 'I've played against him a couple of times, and it's a pleasure to work with him and his team.'
Notably, Mourinho's first stint at Madrid between 2010 and 2013 delivered a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey, though it ended amid reported friction with senior players. His return, therefore, carries both expectation and scrutiny.
Preseason Goals and Tactical Adaptation
Alexander-Arnold outlined the twin objectives of the preseason block: physical conditioning and tactical assimilation. 'It's about getting fit, understanding the principles, and how the coach wants us to play. Understanding how we're going to set up and present ourselves this season. And simply getting in shape, getting back into action, and regaining the rhythm of football,' he said.
With several first-team regulars still competing at the World Cup as of 17 July, Mourinho's early sessions have served as a foundation-building phase. The full squad is expected to reconvene once the tournament concludes, at which point the tactical picture will sharpen considerably.
Point of View
And Alexander-Arnold's endorsement — however early — matters. The Englishman's willingness to publicly champion the coach's intensity signals a dressing-room dynamic that is, at least for now, cooperative rather than resistant. That is significant given how Mourinho's first spell ended. The real test will come when the full squad returns from the World Cup and tactical hierarchies are established. Whether Mourinho can maintain this buy-in across a squad of established stars — not just a preseason cohort — will define whether this second chapter ends differently from the first.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Trent Alexander-Arnold say about preseason training under Jose Mourinho?
Alexander-Arnold said the sessions have been intense and demanding, with Mourinho setting very high principles from the outset. He described the experience as positive, noting that the more the squad gets to know the coach, the more they can learn from him.
Is this Jose Mourinho's first time managing Real Madrid?
No. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey before departing amid reported tensions. His current appointment marks his second spell in charge at the club.
Why was Trent Alexander-Arnold available for early preseason?
Alexander-Arnold was not selected for England's World Cup squad, which meant he was free to return to club training earlier than teammates still on international duty. He said he was happy to be back at work and making use of the time.
What does Real Madrid's preseason training involve under Mourinho?
Sessions have included double training blocks combining gym work, joint warm-ups, possession and pressing drills, finishing exercises in mini-goals, and running circuits. The structure reflects Mourinho's emphasis on physical conditioning and tactical discipline from day one.
When does Real Madrid's 2026/27 season begin?
The exact start date has not been specified in available reports, but the club is currently in its preseason preparation phase as of 17 July, with the full squad expected to assemble once the World Cup concludes.
