Mourinho Pairs Tchouaméni and Valverde at Real
New coach Jose Mourinho plans to pair the two players who ended last season with a physical altercation. Both were fined half a million euros, and now they will have to cooperate on the pitch.
New coach Jose Mourinho plans to pair the two players who ended last season with a physical altercation. Both were fined half a million euros, and now they will have to cooperate on the pitch.
It has been just over three months since Aurelien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde caused an earthquake in Real Madrid's dressing room. Their physical clash on May 7, 2026, ended with the Uruguayan being hospitalized with a severe blow to the head. Now, under the new leadership of Jose Mourinho, the two will not only share the dressing room again but will also form the backbone of the 'royal club's' midfield.
The club did not spare the rod in disciplinary measures following the incident. Each player was fined half a million euros. The punishment, it seems, bore fruit, as both publicly accepted mutual apologies and declared the conflict over.
Tchouaméni told French outlet L'Equipe back in June: "There's no problem. A lot of things happen inside the dressing room. We shook hands when he came back and continued working together. We talked, of course."
Valverde also did not hide that the incident left its mark, but also a lesson. "I received support from many people in what happened, from all the fans, as well as the club's support. Sometimes you have to overcome such obstacles in football and in life. And we learn from everything. I'm sure this will help me become a better leader," the Uruguayan said.
According to Spanish newspaper As, the duo met again on Monday for training at Valdebebas. Tchouaméni returned to the training process after the World Cup and the subsequent rest. Although they have already trained together twice since the May incident, they have yet to share the pitch in a competitive match.
Valverde first missed time due to the concussion protocol he entered after the fall from Tchouaméni's punch. Later, both were plagued by muscle issues that caused them to miss part of the league matches, but that was after the title had already been decided.
Jose Mourinho, known for his firm hand and authority in the dressing room, is not interested in the past. The Portuguese tactician, brought in to end a two-year trophy drought and impose order, has opted for a bold move. Tchouaméni and Valverde are set to form the midfield tandem that will serve as the shield behind a formidable attacking line.
That attacking line, according to the plan, will feature Mbappé, Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, and Yan Diomande. The midfield duo is expected to find the balance between defensive duties and joining the attack. Their timely chemistry could be a key boost for a team aiming to bring trophies back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Although words of reconciliation have been spoken and fines paid, the true proof that the wound has healed will only be seen on the pitch. Mourinho already has his plan, and the answer to whether the two former 'enemies' can function like a well-oiled machine at the heart of the team will come with the start of competitive matches.
