Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella has urged supporters and pundits to show patience with José Mourinho’s new project, suggesting the team’s progress should be judged over an entire season rather than a difficult opening period.
The Spanish international acknowledged that Real Madrid’s start to the La Liga campaign has not met expectations. The club has lost two of its first seven league matches, falling to defeats against Real Betis and city rivals Atlético Madrid. These results have left Real Madrid trailing early leaders Barcelona by six points.
Adapting to Change
Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in a €55 million summer transfer, highlighted several factors contributing to the team’s initial struggles. He pointed to the significant changes involved in starting under a new manager, José Mourinho, and the need for new teammates to integrate. Additionally, he noted that a lack of a proper preseason for some players has made the adaptation process more challenging.
The left-back emphasised that it is too soon to deliver a final verdict on Mourinho’s work or the team’s potential. He believes that the campaign’s full progression will offer a more meaningful measure of the project’s success.
Personal Form and Recognition
Cucurella himself is navigating an adjustment period at his new club. He admitted that while he has impressed for the Spanish national team, particularly in recent Nations League victories over England and Croatia, there are areas of his club game that require improvement as he settles into his new surroundings.
Despite the club’s early form, Cucurella’s individual quality has been recognised, as he is among the 30 nominees for this year’s prestigious Ballon d’Or award. His aim is to replicate his strong performances for Spain in a Real Madrid shirt as the team continues to evolve under Mourinho.
Cucurella’s appeal underscores the view that a new manager and a squad still adapting require time to gel and for Mourinho’s tactical ideas to take full hold. The immediate task for Real Madrid is to respond on the pitch and demonstrate progress as the season unfolds.