Jose Mourinho’s authority is already reshaping Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Malaga was the backdrop, but the discussion on Cadena SER was about José Mourinho and the effect he is having on Real Madrid. The panel’s view was that the change is showing up in attitude, structure and how the squad competes for places, with Jude Bellingham one of the clearest beneficiaries.

Mourinho’s order and competition

Jesús Gallego said the team’s commitment was not there last year, and added that Mourinho has come in to bring order to the dressing room. He also said that order is now in place. Bruno Alemany pushed the point further, saying Mourinho has more authority than Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, with the former Porto and Chelsea boss described as someone who has seen it all.

That view was reinforced by Antonio Romero, who said this year “whoever falls asleep is out.” He also said there is real competition for places that did not exist before. Real Madrid's 4-2-3-1 shape against Malaga fits that reading, and the club have won their last five matches.

Bellingham closer to goal

Romero’s tactical point was straightforward. “Mourinho has moved him closer to the box and the team is more balanced,” he said. He added that Bellingham is now making more runs into the box, pressing more and becoming more positive for the team.

The numbers from Real Madrid vs Malaga support that idea. Bellingham scored once in the 4-0 win, was rated 8.5 for the match and now has 2 goals and 2 assists in 3 La Liga appearances. His La Liga rating is 8.4, which is strong enough to back the idea that he is operating with more influence near goal.

Alemany also suggested the depth of the squad could matter as the season develops, with Federico Valverde and Tchouaméni mentioned as a possible double pivot in some games. Valverde’s La Liga rating is 7.17, while Alemany pointed out that some players are no longer capable of starting 55 games. The idea is not that Madrid have solved everything in September, only that Mourinho has already changed the daily standard and the team look more settled because of it.

The immediate takeaway from the Malaga game is simple enough: Mourinho’s authority is being felt quickly, and Bellingham is playing closer to the area where matches are decided.