Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has openly criticized the physical condition of Bernardo Silva during his first appearance for the royal club, which came in a 2-1 friendly victory over Hungarian side Ferencváros.
The Portuguese international came on as a substitute in the second half, having joined group training just a few days prior. However, Mourinho quickly noticed his distinct lack of power and match sharpness.
A Need for Physical Improvement
Addressing the media, Mourinho stated: “He arrived in a much lower physical condition, and he has to improve.” The Portuguese manager explained that Bernardo is the type of player who prefers to disconnect entirely from training during the holidays to ensure a complete mental break.
This lack of physical readiness forced Mourinho into a tactical tweak. The manager had to move the 31-year-old from the central midfield to a playmaker role to reduce his physical burden, before eventually bringing on Cestero to restore the team’s structural balance.
Versatility and a Key Role in the Squad
Despite the fitness critique, the Real Madrid boss was full of praise for the new signing’s technical abilities. Mourinho emphasized that Bernardo can comfortably play in three or four different positions, making him a crucial element in his plan to rely on a tight, short squad of around 20 players this season.
Upcoming Fixtures to Build Match Fitness
Bernardo Silva still has two friendly matches to regain his peak condition before the official season begins:
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August 12: Real Madrid vs. Deportivo La Coruña (Teresa Herrera Trophy)
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August 16: Real Madrid vs. Schalke 04 (Away Friendly)
Real Madrid will kick off their La Liga campaign away against Espanyol on August 22 at 21:30 (Spanish time). This timeline gives Bernardo approximately two weeks and two additional matches since his debut to elevate his physical state, setting the stage for him to reach optimal readiness before his first official test.
