Key Takeaways:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold described Real Madrid’s early preseason training under José Mourinho as intense, with frequent double sessions completed in high temperatures
- The England defender, now in his second season at Madrid following his arrival from Liverpool in summer 2025, expressed excitement at working with Mourinho and the standards the manager demands
- Alexander-Arnold revealed he is eager to regain fitness after a lengthy absence and build a strong foundation for the coming campaign
Demanding Start to Preseason at Valdebebas
Trent Alexander-Arnold has offered an inside perspective on Real Madrid’s opening days of preseason training at Valdebebas, characterising the period as both gruelling and rewarding. Speaking to the club’s official media channel on July 16, Alexander-Arnold remarked upon the challenges presented by the high temperatures and the prevalence of intense double training sessions conducted as the squad returned to Ciudad Real Madrid.
🚨 Trent: “Training with Mourinho has been VERY good.
I’ve always admired him, it’s a pleasure to work with him and his staff.
He’s intense. The principles and expectations are very high, I’m looking forward to what he teaches us.
He’ll help us win trophies this year.” pic.twitter.com/lDMQnPXbCF
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 15, 2026
The England international specified the importance of maintaining physical preparedness over the summer break. He stated that after a short period of rest, he resumed running in advance of the team’s return, ensuring he arrived fit and ready to attack preseason objectives.
Mourinho’s Approach Sets the Tone
With José Mourinho taking charge at the Bernabéu once more, the Portuguese manager began his preparations for the forthcoming campaign with a reduced squad present at Valdebebas. Alexander-Arnold, having previously competed against Mourinho’s teams prior to his Real Madrid move, expressed enthusiasm about now being part of the manager’s set-up. He highlighted Mourinho’s intensity and the raised level of expectation being instilled within the squad, and looked forward to furthering his development under the manager’s guidance.
He also underlined the collective eagerness to learn from Mourinho, noting the expectation that the coach’s influence would aid the club’s pursuit of silverware in the coming season.
Focus on Fitness and Long-Term Goals
Alexander-Arnold outlined his preseason priorities, making reference to a prolonged spell without playing prior to this training block. He stressed the importance of regaining his match fitness, absorbing Mourinho’s tactical principles, and building rhythm ahead of the new campaign. The right-back described the preseason period as vital for constructing the physical and strategic foundation required for success in the forthcoming season.
Madrid’s Early Preseason Programme
The Real Madrid squad is now deep into the early phases of preseason, executing Mourinho’s training programme and adapting to his philosophy. The players continue to work towards peak condition and tactical cohesion, aiming to set the stage for a productive campaign under the Portuguese coach.
