Pre-season: ‘He doesn’t do any work’ – Mourinho gives verdict on Bernardo Silva

Real Madrid head coach, Jose Mourinho, has stated that new signing, Bernardo Silva must exert considerable effort to regain his optimal fitness. 

The former Manchester City midfielder joined the Santiago Bernabeu this summer on a free transfer.

Silva, aged 31, enjoyed nine immensely successful seasons at the Etihad, netting 76 goals in 460 appearances across all competitions. 

The Portugal international made significant contributions, scoring seven times in 55 matches as Pep Guardiola’s team secured their first treble in the 2022-23 season.

In what became his final season with City, Silva scored three goals in 53 games, while the Cityzens clinched both domestic cups and finished as runners-up in the Premier League during Guardiola’s last campaign at the Etihad.

After joining Los Blancos this summer, Silva has returned to training following a vacation after participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where the Selecao was eliminated 1-0 by the eventual champions, Spain, in the Round of 16.

While acknowledging Silva’s importance to the team, Mourinho did not hesitate to address the midfielder’s fitness level upon his return from vacation (as reported by Madrid Zone), “Bernardo Silva? He’s a very important player for us. 

“But the poor guy, when he goes on vacation, he likes to disconnect completely. He doesn’t do any work, so he came on a physical level WAY BELOW his usual standards. He needs to work hard now.”

Bernardo Silva has signed a two-year contract with the Bernabeu as he embarks on the next phase of his career.