Top News

Trent Alexander-Arnold has shared his thoughts on Real Madrid’s challenging start to pre-season, lauding the intensity and high standards brought by returning manager Jose Mourinho. The England international spoke about his summer preparations and outlined his goals for the upcoming campaign as the team begins to take shape under Mourinho at Valdebebas.

Demanding beginning to Real Madrid’s pre-season

Alexander-Arnold revealed that Real Madrid’s 2026-27 pre-season has lived up to expectations for its demanding nature. Training sessions under Mourinho at Ciudad Real Madrid have involved grueling double workouts under the Madrid sun — exactly what the squad foresaw when returning to Valdebebas.

Speaking to the club’s official media, Alexander-Arnold confirmed that the early days have been as rigorous as anticipated. “So far, so good. It’s hot and very intense. We’re in pre-season, and that’s what we expected. There are many tough sessions, many double sessions, so it’s been intense so far,” the right-back remarked.

Summer fitness and preparation

The defender ensured he returned in top physical condition after the off-season. He took a couple of weeks off before resuming running and fitness training to be fully prepared when pre-season began.

“In the summer, you have a couple of weeks off and then a couple of weeks getting back into running and regaining your fitness,” he said. “Now, in pre-season, you have to come back in shape. So I was ready and really looking forward to returning.”

Admiration for Mourinho’s intensity and principles

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the club this summer has been Mourinho’s return for a second spell. Alexander-Arnold, who has previously faced him as an opponent, said he has been impressed by the Portuguese manager’s approach from the outset.

“With Mourinho? Very good, very good. I’ve always admired the coach. I’ve played against him a few times, and it’s a pleasure to work with him and his staff,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“He’s intense. The principles and the level of expectation are very high, so I’m looking forward to seeing how, as we get to know each other more, we learn more and he teaches us more. We’re all eager to learn and improve. I’m sure he’ll teach us a lot and help us win trophies this year.”

Clear goals for pre-season development

Looking forward, Alexander-Arnold’s focus remains on maintaining discipline and absorbing Mourinho’s tactical philosophy. His immediate goal is to build fitness and ensure the squad fully understands the manager’s expectations before competitive matches begin.

“Pre-season objectives? It’s about getting in shape, understanding the principles and how the coach wants us to play,” he added. “Understanding how we’re going to set up and present ourselves this season. And, simply, getting fit, back in action, and regaining rhythm. I’ve been out for quite a while, so it’s great to be back and to lay the foundation for a successful season.”

With Mourinho’s well-known reputation for demanding total commitment — a hallmark of his earlier successful spell with the club — Alexander-Arnold’s remarks highlight a squad already embracing the elevated standards necessary for Real Madrid to compete strongly on all fronts this season.