Trent Alexander-Arnold hails ‘strong personality’ Mourinho as Real Madrid target title charge

England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold says working under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid is “a pleasure” and believes the Portuguese manager will “lead us to trophies this season” as the club ramps up preparations for the new campaign.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Spanish giants this summer, spoke to Real Madrid’s in-house platform RM Play during the club’s pre-season training camp, describing intense sessions in hot conditions and his excitement at returning to full training after a lengthy spell out of competitive action.

“Everything is going well. The weather is hot and the training sessions are very intense, which is normal during pre-season,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“During the summer break you get a few weeks to rest, then you start to gradually regain your fitness. I was very prepared and excited to get back to training.”

‘I’ve always admired him’ – Alexander-Arnold on Mourinho

Alexander-Arnold, who spent his entire professional career at Liverpool before his high-profile move to Madrid, said he has long held Mourinho in high regard after facing his teams multiple times in the Premier League.

“The situation is going great. I have always admired the coach, and I faced him several times when I was a player in England, and it is a pleasure to work with him and his coaching staff,” he said.

“Mourinho is a coach with a strong personality, and his principles and level of demands are very high. I am looking forward to getting to know him more, and learning from him and his ideas, and I am confident that he will teach us a lot and will lead us to winning titles this season.”

The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester United manager returned to the Bernabeu this summer, tasked with reshaping the side and maintaining the club’s status as a dominant force in both La Liga and the Champions League.

Madrid’s pre-season focus: fitness and philosophy

Alexander-Arnold underlined that Real Madrid’s primary objectives in pre-season are to reach peak physical condition and to fully absorb Mourinho’s tactical demands and playing style.

“Our main goal is to reach the best possible physical condition, and to understand the way the coach wants us to play, and how he will build the team during the season,” he explained.

Under Mourinho, Madrid are expected to blend a disciplined defensive structure with quick, incisive transitions – an approach that could make particular use of Alexander-Arnold’s passing range and attacking instincts from deep positions.

Back after long absence from matches

The England international also referred to his recent spell away from competitive fixtures, stressing how much he is relishing being back in a full football environment.

“I was away from matches for a long time, so it is great to return to the atmosphere of football again, and to lay the foundations necessary to have a successful season and achieve our goals,” he concluded.

Real Madrid will continue their pre-season schedule with a series of friendlies aimed at fine-tuning Mourinho’s system and building match sharpness. The club’s hierarchy and supporters alike will expect Alexander-Arnold to play a central role as Madrid bid for domestic and European silverware under their returning, and famously demanding, head coach.