Mourinho Won't Shed Tears Over Rodri

José Mourinho is a content man. The reason is simple: for most of the day, he wears the Real Madrid emblem on his chest. In other words, he's working exactly where he wants, under his preferred conditions, and with the players he's chosen. Since Florentino Pérez decided in late April that the Portuguese manager's return was the best solution, there has been complete understanding between him and the "Los Blancos" hierarchy. This harmony has continued through the past week, despite the uncertainty surrounding the Rodri saga.

Ever since the now-distant meeting at Madrid's Santo Mauro hotel with José Ángel Sánchez and Juni Calafat, the dialogue between them and Mourinho has been constant and productive. Naturally, the coach requested specific players, and he personally and directly informed others that they were not part of his plans. However, everything has been done in full agreement with the club. There hasn't been a single moment of tension, as journalist José Félix Díaz emphatically states in an analysis for the newspaper "AS."

During that meeting, discussions revolved around Dumfries, Bernardo Silva and his versatility, the possibility of strengthening the central defense and midfield, and the need to add more pace to the attack.

Mourinho did not issue ultimatums; from day one, he discussed the team's needs with the management. Rodri's name emerged in these conversations, and everyone at the club eventually concluded – especially during the World Cup – that he could be a very valuable addition. Real Madrid made an offer, but the midfielder opted for another proposal – that of Barcelona. There was never an agreement with the player, much less with Manchester City, with whom negotiations were never even initiated.

The club executives accepted the decision, as did Mourinho. The Portuguese manager has not caused his first crisis at the club, as some have tried to suggest, nor has anything of the sort occurred. The coach knows there are three weeks left in the transfer window and that at Valdebebas, they are doing everything possible to build the most competitive squad. All of this is happening through continuous dialogue among all parties.

Of course, Mourinho would have liked to see Rodri in a white shirt, but the unsuccessful transfer has not become a tragedy, much less a reason for a scandal, outburst, or sulky reaction, however one might describe his behavior. Already at the Santo Mauro meeting, the coach himself argued for Bernardo Silva's acquisition, stating that the Portuguese could act as the team's brain. Two months after that conversation, he will now have the opportunity to do so and prove Mourinho right.

Does this mean the door for a new transfer is closed? No. And it won't be closed until the final whistle of the transfer window. Does this mean Real Madrid will go all out to sign a defensive midfielder? Also no. The main reason is that the coach and management are not convinced that the market currently offers a player of similar quality. The club is looking at various options, but doing so calmly and with the confidence that with the available players – Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler, and Aurélien Tchouaméni – a competitive midfield duo can be built while awaiting developments with Camavinga.

The area where the coach entirely dictates the rules is the daily work at the training ground – the demands that the publication revealed a few days ago. Order and complete control for Mourinho, who is happy with what he himself describes as a return home.

The coach is frank with the players, and everyone appreciates this, including those who will not be part of his plans after the transfer window closes. Until then, further changes to the current squad are possible. And everything is happening through dialogue and without conflict. The more challenging moments will come later, when the pressure of competitive play emerges.