English Premier League
Jose Mourinho tells Eduardo Camavinga he must fight for Real Madrid place
Jose Mourinho has told Eduardo Camavinga that he currently ranks last among Real Madrid’s midfield options, but the France international will still have a chance to earn regular football if he remains at the club and commits himself fully.
Camavinga, who had been a potential departure this summer after a disappointing campaign last season, held a significant meeting with Mourinho, according to Spanish outlet Defensa Central. The report was based on comments from Carlos Carpio, head of the sports section at OKD.
Speaking on the Doctor Jota YouTube channel, Carpio said: “Mourinho held a meeting with Camavinga and told him that he occupies the last place in the ranking of midfielders.”
Carpio added: “Mourinho told Camavinga that if he ultimately decides to stay, he will get the chance to play if he works hard and gives everything he has.”
He continued: “If Camavinga accepts this challenge, as Asensio appears to have done, he will have the same opportunities as the rest of the players.”
The message means Camavinga is not beginning the season as the leading candidate to occupy a starting midfield position. However, it also suggests Mourinho remains satisfied with the player’s attitude and work, rather than closing the door on his involvement.
Camavinga started and completed the full 90 minutes in the match against Deportivo La Coruna, an indication that he remains part of Mourinho’s plans despite the warning over his position in the midfield pecking order.
The 22-year-old possesses considerable physical strength, as well as technical quality and a strong understanding of how to use the ball. His principal difficulty, according to the report, has been a significant lack of confidence in his ability and performances during matches.
That issue has affected Camavinga negatively over recent seasons and has contributed to uncertainty over his status at Real Madrid. Mourinho’s conversation appears to have placed the responsibility firmly on the player: he must respond through his work and performances if he wants to move up the order.
Camavinga will therefore begin the campaign facing a difficult fight for a regular place. The midfielder has not been promised a starting role, but the reported terms of the conversation leave open a route back into the team.
His chances will depend on whether he accepts the challenge laid down by Mourinho and demonstrates the commitment required to compete with the other midfielders in the squad.
