'It is harder to find perfect role for all three': Mourinho on fitting Bellingham, Mbappé & Vinícius

Madrid: Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has acknowledged that establishing the right tactical balance for Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham will prove a "difficult" task, though he remains firm in his belief that the trio can thrive together.

Mourinho begins his second stint in charge of Real Madrid on Saturday with an opening LaLiga trip to Espanyol. The club enter the campaign seeking to wrest back the domestic crown after Barcelona secured the title in each of the past two seasons.

The Portuguese manager must now integrate Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham into a cohesive unit, alongside new high-profile arrival Yan Diomande.

“They’re incredible players, but the tactical structure could be more difficult. Ancelotti found the perfect role for Vini with Brazil, Deschamps found the perfect role for Kylian, and Tuchel found the perfect role for Jude. But it’s harder to find the perfect role for all three. I have a lot of confidence that we’ll do well when all three play together. I don’t think they’re incompatible at all,” Mourinho told reporters in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by ESPN.

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Addressing ongoing scrutiny regarding the work rate of his attacking stars, Mourinho stressed that work ethic would be mandatory.

“We need to be a team, work hard, and not negotiate things that are non-negotiable; commitment has to be present in every minute of every game,” he said.

Following speculation linking Real Madrid with Spain international Rodri—who ultimately opted for a move to Barcelona—Mourinho confirmed he had held discussions with the midfielder, but dismissed suggestions that his squad lacked quality in that department.

“I don’t think we have a deficit in midfield; Rodri would have been the icing on the cake… But when you have Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde, Bernardo, Arda because with time he can play there and we won’t have problems,” he added.

Returning to the helm of the 15-time European champions, Mourinho insisted he welcomes the high expectations surrounding his appointment.

“I wouldn’t say pressure. I’d say adrenaline. It’s positive… In the end, it’s about results. Ending the season without trophies at Real Madrid isn’t a successful season,” he concluded. (IANS)