Jose Mourinho has taken aim at former Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, saying “he has to improve”.
The Portuguese joined Real Madrid on a free transfer, linking up with the squad late due to his run with Portugal in the World Cup.
Silva played for the first time in Real’s pre-season match against Ferencvaros of Hungary, with Mourinho feeling his new signing was off the pace.
He said: “Bernardo Silva? He’s a very important player for us. But the poor guy, when he goes on vacation, he likes to disconnect completely; he doesn’t do any work.
“So he arrived for pre-season with much lower physical fitness, and he has to improve.”
Despite his initial harsh criticism, Mourinho was full of praise for one of his several new signings as he embarks on his second spell in charge of Real.
The Portuguese continued: “But Bernardo is a wonderful player who gives us excellent build-up with the ball, whether he plays in a deeper position or in midfield.”
“During the match, I saw that he lacks physical strength, so I moved him to the 10 position. He can play there too. He can play in three or four positions.”
Jose Mourinho has taken aim at Bernardo Silva
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REUTERS
Mourinho has returned to Real 13 years after his first spell, looking to provide stability after a turbulent season by the Galacticos’ standards last year.
Xabi Alonso was brought in but departed the club on January 12, with new Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa taking over for the remainder of the campaign.
A rare trophyless season for the Spanish giants saw them get knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals and finish second in the league to rivals Barcelona.
Mourinho comes in aiming to control a side with big personalities, already bringing in several marquee players including Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella and Yan Diomande.
Mourinho comes in aiming to control a side with big personalities
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REUTERS
Real have won two out of their three friendlies, including a 2-1 victory yesterday against Ferencvaros.
Commenting on his side’s performance, Mourinho said: “I liked the first half more. It doesn’t surprise me because we have been working more with those players. We had very good control of the game.
“In the second half, with Vini and Bernardo, who don’t have many minutes, and with Endrick changing positions, we lost some of our organisation. But it’s good.
“You don’t finish the game by giving away a dangerous free kick like we did. You have to know what to do.
Mourinho took over as Real boss 13 years after his first spell
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“Those small mistakes that accumulate in these games are good for me.”
Real have a couple of friendlies left against Deportivo and Schalke before their opening game of the season versus Espanyol.
Their first big league game comes against Atletico away on September 20, before El Clasico which is scheduled for October 25.
