Three Real Madrid players who could lose their starting spots under Jose Mourinho

Every new manager arrives with fresh ideas, but Jose Mourinho has never been one to make compromises. 

At Real Madrid, the Portuguese coach is set to influence the team in his own image, rewarding players he believes can deliver immediately rather than relying on reputations or transfer fees.

That approach could produce some uncomfortable decisions before a ball has even been kicked in the new La Liga season.

According to journalist Ruben Martin, three players signed by Real Madrid only last summer, Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, are all expected to begin the 2026/27 campaign lower in Mourinho’s pecking order. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold will face competition from Denzel Dumfries. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The update, relayed by Defensa Central, suggests that the Portuguese manager has a clear vision for his preferred back line, and it differs significantly from the one fans became familiar with last season.

New signings have altered plans

Mourinho has built his reputation on defensive organisation, so it is hardly surprising that his biggest changes are expected to come at the back.

Rather than sticking with the defence that finished last season, the report claims he wants to build around Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, three players he believes bring the experience, physicality and tactical discipline needed to execute his ideas from day one.

If that proves to be the case, Carreras, Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold could all find themselves watching the opening weeks of the season from the bench, which would be a remarkable turnaround.

A major turnaround

Carreras will be the second choice left-back next season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

A mere 12 months ago, the trio represented the future of Real Madrid’s defence. 

Each arrived as part of the club’s long-term planning, with expectations that they would gradually become regular starters at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Now, before the new campaign has even begun, they are facing the challenge of convincing one of football’s most demanding managers that they deserve a place in his strongest XI.

That is the reality of playing under Mourinho. Every season starts with a clean slate, but nobody is guaranteed a shirt.