José Mourinho has started giving Real Madrid’s biggest names extra rest during the season, taking a cue from the way Luis Enrique has managed playing time and given key players time off at Paris Saint-Germain.
According to Marca, Mourinho wants his squad to reach the decisive months of the season fresh enough to handle the demands of competing on several fronts. His staff at Valdebebas have begun tailoring rest periods to each player’s condition and expected role in upcoming matches.
The plan combines squad rotation, closer management of minutes and extra days off training for some players, giving them time to recover physically and mentally after congested stretches of fixtures and travel.
Arda Güler and Aurélien Tchouaméni were the first to benefit. Mourinho left both out of the squad that travelled to Athens to face AEK in the Champions League after a demanding run of games. Other players are set to get the same treatment when the needs of the squad allow.
Mourinho made five changes to his starting line-up in Athens, with Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva starting in midfield. Federico Valverde struck in stoppage time to seal a 3–2 win, giving Madrid four wins from four in the competition.
Luis Enrique took a similar approach in 2025, giving seven PSG regulars, including Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha, around a week off after beating Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals. The break was part of PSG’s preparations for the Coupe de France and Champions League finals.
After the win in Athens, Mourinho explained how the next fixture had influenced his substitutions. “When the result is still in the balance, I have to think about that, but I also have to keep Valencia in mind.”
Güler and Tchouaméni are both back in the squad for the trip to Mestalla on Matchday 12 of La Liga, where Madrid will look for an eighth straight win in all competitions before the international break.
