New season, new boss at the Bernabéu. José Mourinho has taken over Real Madrid, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, after a turbulent first season, believes he will be the key figure in the push for trophies. Fede Valverde reveals an unexpected side of the Portuguese.
Real Madrid enters the new season with a new-old face on the bench. In June, José Mourinho took the helm of the Royal club for the second time in his career, succeeding Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, who led the team last season. As the squad prepares for the challenges ahead, one question looms large: can Trent Alexander-Arnold, after a difficult debut season, become a key player in Mourinho's system?
Alexander-Arnold's arrival in Madrid last summer was met with high expectations. Real Madrid paid Liverpool €10 million (£8.4 million) for his release from his contract on June 1, 2025, a month before it expired. However, instead of an explosive start, the season was marked by injuries and adaptation.
First, in September 2025, he suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for seven weeks. Just as he returned, another setback followed in December-a thigh injury and two more months on the sidelines. These injuries prevented him from finding consistency and building a stronger bond with the fans. Ultimately, he featured in 35 of 62 matches across all competitions, starting only 27 of them, sharing the right-back position with club legend Dani Carvajal.
Nevertheless, he finished the season in increasingly good form, expressing his gratitude to the fans in an emotional message. "Madridistas, you welcomed me with open arms. You've been by my side from day one. It took me a few months to find my rhythm, but now I feel completely at home. I'll rest well and work hard over the summer. I promise we'll bring trophies back to this incredible club next season," Alexander-Arnold wrote, as reported by BBC Sport.
A new beginning also brings a new coach with a clear vision. According to BBC Sport, Mourinho has been impressed by the England international's performances, his values, and his versatility. The Portuguese sees him not just as a classic full-back, but as a player whose quality shines when he moves into midfield and contributes to attacking plays from central positions. His passing, crossing, through balls, and set-piece delivery remain among the strongest weapons in his arsenal.
Alexander-Arnold himself is eager to work with him. "I've always admired the coach. I've played against him a few times, and it's a pleasure to work with him and his staff. He's intense. The principles and the level of demand are very high, so I'm looking forward to seeing how, as we get to know each other better, we learn more, and he can teach us more. We're all willing and eager to learn and improve. I'm sure he'll teach us a lot and help us win trophies this year," he stated.
Mourinho's arrival often carries the reputation of a strict and demanding tactician, but things seem different from the inside. Fede Valverde, one of the team's key players, shared his first impressions of working with the Portuguese.
"I didn't expect Mourinho to be like this. He's very close to us," Valverde told Fabrizio Romano. "Sometimes he's strict, but I think that's what can push you to improve." This statement reveals another side of the seasoned strategist-one that builds close relationships with players while maintaining high standards.
As one of the few Real players who did not participate in the World Cup, Alexander-Arnold completed the full preseason with the new coach. Without international duties, he had valuable time to gel with the team and absorb Mourinho's demands. The question is no longer whether he will adapt, but whether he will become the engine of the team in the pursuit of the trophies he promised to bring back to the Bernabéu.
