Jose Mourinho has often been portrayed as a manager who prioritises established stars, but his record at Real Madrid tells a very different story.
According to a detailed report from AS, the Portuguese coach has consistently shown faith in the club’s academy, and his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu is already following the same path.
As per the outlet, Mourinho intends to place youth development back on the agenda at Real Madrid.
Having handed first-team debuts to 20 academy players during his initial spell in charge, the veteran coach has once again turned to La Fabrica as preparations for the new season gather pace.
Mourinho begins second spell with academy focus
The first Real Madrid training session under Mourinho offered an early glimpse into his plans for the future.
Rather than working exclusively with senior players, the Portuguese coach included a whopping 16 academy prospects as he began assessing the club’s next generation of talent.
Notably, several members of the group already have first-team experience, including Palacios, Cestero, Fran Gonzalez and Victor Valdepenas.
The remaining youngsters selected by Mourinho were Joan Martinez, Sergio Mestre, Lamini Fati, Pol Fortuny, Roberto Martin, Jacobo Ortega, Lezcano, Melvin, Alexis Cira, Gabri Valero, Lacosta and Cherif Fofana, one of the most highly rated prospects in the academy.
Mourinho’s academy record at Real Madrid speaks for itself
Despite the perception that has followed him throughout much of his managerial career, Mourinho’s first spell at Real Madrid produced a remarkable number of academy breakthroughs.
No manager has handed more first-team debuts to Real Madrid academy players during the 21st century than the Portuguese.
Among the most notable success stories are Nacho Fernandez and Casemiro, both of whom were introduced to the senior squad under Mourinho before going on to enjoy outstanding careers at the club.
Their development has become one of the strongest examples of the long-term value of trusting academy players, and that history explains why there is renewed optimism surrounding Real Madrid academy graduates as Mourinho begins another chapter in Madrid.
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