Real Madrid had already begun tactical training.
Mourinho, as always, focused primarily on the defensive line during training.
Defenders like Ramos, Pepe, Srna, Marcelo, and Arbeloa had been put through the wringer recently.
Mourinho's style differed from Pintus'.
Pintus preferred explosive training sessions, often referred to as the "hairdryer" approach.
If a player didn't perform well or made mistakes, they'd be screamed at relentlessly.
A bit of a "hairdryer treatment" indeed.
That said, the old man was still quite endearing.
Training was training—but afterward, Pintus would proactively seek out players to help them analyze what went wrong and point out specific issues.
He patiently maintained a good distance and communication environment with the players.
But Mourinho was different!
If a player made a tactical mistake, Mourinho would patiently explain at first—hard to imagine this arrogant, domineering man on the pitch could be so composed.
But calling him "good-tempered" would be inaccurate.
Mourinho kept a little notebook. He'd correct players patiently two or three times—but if they kept making mistakes, they'd be noted down.
Getting into that notebook meant drifting further and further away from the starting lineup.
So for Real Madrid players, the one thing they wanted to avoid most was ending up in that little book.
"Spacing! Keep your spacing!"
"Defense is all about discipline. One person slacking affects the entire backline. When moving, you not only have to be aware of your own position but also observe your teammates' positions and communicate in time!"
"Remember, the backline is a unit. You must move as one!"
"Arbeloa, you were too slow!"
"Marcelo, after pushing forward, you must actively retreat. One extra defender makes all the difference!"
Mourinho kept barking instructions from the sideline while Real Madrid's defenders continuously faced waves of attacking drills.
Thud!Ramos executed a precise slide tackle, sending the ball out of bounds.
He slid across the turf before standing up and wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Good! That was a decisive tackle! Sometimes, you just have to trust yourself."
Mourinho clapped. "Ten-minute break!"
Hearing that, Ramos and the others breathed a sigh of relief.
"Four attacking groups, round after round, hitting us from every angle, different styles, different attack methods—after all that, my legs are trembling!" Marcelo complained.
Pepe, sitting nearby, pointed at his legs. "Still, it doesn't feel as exhausting as before."
Srna nodded. "Pintus' training really paid off."
Everyone agreed.
Ramos went over to Srna to discuss defensive positioning again.
Srna had quickly integrated into the Real Madrid locker room.
Part of it was because of Suker—even if people didn't care much for Srna, they had to show respect to Suker.
But the main reason was Srna's own performance—that played the biggest role.
Often when Ramos aggressively pushed forward to intercept, Srna would cover for him.
Srna was very familiar with Mourinho's defensive tactics, so defenders like Ramos often sought him out for advice, leading to natural chemistry even without Suker acting as a bridge.
Most importantly, Srna had no language barrier. Though his Spanish wasn't perfect, it was functional, which helped bridge the gap.
After chatting for a while, Pepe finally asked, "I wonder how our forwards are doing?"
Real Madrid was running split training sessions.
During the second week, defenders trained alongside midfielders.
Forwards trained separately on Field No. 2.
"They should be doing fine, right?"
Pepe shrugged. "Kaká and Suker used to be teammates. They already have chemistry."
"So… is Kaká playing as a midfielder or a forward?"
Arbeloa chimed in, "A lot of people are wary of Kaká—his arrival could shake up the starting lineup."
Kaká was a high-profile transfer.
He was expected to bring changes to the starting eleven.
Neither Florentino Pérez nor Mourinho wanted such an expensive signing to sit on the bench.
So, Kaká was definitely going to start.
Whether he played midfield or forward would only be revealed during the integrated training in the third week.
"No point overthinking it. Let's just focus on ourselves."
Ramos pushed himself up and clapped. "Let's continue. The 'Sergeant's' fitness training really worked—my muscle recovery's much faster now."
Everyone got up as well.
After the first week of fitness training, their stamina and recovery had clearly improved.
Of course, physical training would continue, gradually ramping up in the coming weeks.
Mourinho, standing on the sideline and watching his defenders rejoin training with such enthusiasm, nodded in satisfaction.
The framework was starting to take shape!
The current phase was all about maintaining defensive positioning. In the third week of integrated training, counter-attack positioning, running routes, and more details would be added.
Turning to assistant coach Faria, Mourinho asked, "How's it going with the forwards?"
Mourinho had strong faith in Real Madrid's attack.
More specifically, he had faith in Suker.
Even if the others underperformed, if Real Madrid held their defense, Suker alone could still score.
But at this moment, Faria scratched his head and said, "José, I think you need to see this for yourself."
Mourinho was taken aback.
He'd worked with Faria since their Porto days.
This was the first time Faria had looked this troubled during tactical training.
"Is there a problem?"
Mourinho felt a twinge of worry.
Was someone not adapting to the system?
Faria shook his head. "No one's falling behind—it's just Suker and Kaká…"
"What about them?" Mourinho frowned.
This duo was key to his Real Madrid setup!
"Do you remember Kaká's performance against Manchester United in 2006 or 2007?"
Faria asked.
Mourinho thought for a moment. "Vaguely!"
Faria continued, "And remember Suker from 2007?"
Suker's 2006/2007 season had been phenomenal—Mourinho remembered it well.
Faria exhaled. "These two… I don't know how, but they've developed insane chemistry. It's unstoppable. I think once the third week's integrated training starts, you'll see it for yourself."
Faria wasn't the type to be easily impressed.
If even he was this excited, then something truly positive was happening.
Mourinho relaxed his brows and smiled. "Then I'll look forward to it."
Training Base No. 2
Suker and Kaká were working on finishing drills.
Kaká stood to the side, full of questions.
It had been three days since split training began, and Kaká was only getting better.
Whether playing as a winger or a central midfielder, he worked seamlessly with Suker.
It felt odd—
Almost like Suker knew exactly what Kaká was going to do.
Sometimes without even looking, Kaká would make a pass, and Suker would be there—every single time.
Suker was always in the perfect spot.
The chemistry was unreal, and it brought out Kaká's previously suppressed brilliance.
And with Kaká returning the favor through passes and assists...
It genuinely felt like Suker's legendary "God Mode Suker" and "God-Slaying Kaká" could coexist.
Suker stood silently over a set-piece ball.
In front of him was his system panel:
[Diamond Card (Special)] Kaká's Awareness
[Diamond Card (Special)] Ronaldo's Finishing
[Diamond Card (Special)] Ronaldo's Dribbling
[Diamond Card (Special)] Ronaldinho's Ball Control
[Diamond Card (Special)] Maldini's Willpower
In inventory:
[Diamond Card (Special)] Inzaghi's Awareness
[Diamond Card (Special)] Kanté's Awareness
He had already begun absorbing [Juninho's Set-Piece Skills].
But progress was slow—it was only 67% complete.
Roughly one more month was needed, just in time for the season opener.
This World Cup had been a jackpot for Suker—he'd collected a ton of diamond cards.
The most valuable:
[Diamond Skill Card] Juninho's Set-Pieces
[Diamond Card (Special)] Kaká's Awareness
[Diamond Card (Special)] Ronaldinho's Ball Control
These were massive additions.
The set-piece card covered his weakness in finishing.
Kaká's awareness created that strong chemistry between the two.
And Ronaldinho's ball control? A delightful surprise.
It didn't just improve his ability—it made football fun.
The ball felt like an extension of himself—wherever he wanted, however he wanted.
After this World Cup, Suker felt better than ever.
Next, he planned to strengthen his heading ability.
He really envied prime Ronaldo's jumping.
Though his own jump was good—it wasn't that good.
Ideally, he could get a [Ronaldo Header] specialty card—that would make him a true all-around monster.
One regret was having to remove his earliest card—[Inzaghi's Awareness].
While he still retained a trace of that ghost-like quality, it no longer had the same impact.
Suker shook his head.
There was a time he had only one diamond card.
He used to dream of getting just one more.
Now? He had too many—he was running out of special card slots.
Can't this damn system upgrade?
He wanted Kaká's awareness, but also Inzaghi's!
Humans, huh... never satisfied.
Evening.
The players returned home.
Once again, it was Suker, Srna, Kaká, and Di María riding together.
Suker and Srna sat in the back, Kaká in the front, Di María driving.
"Why am I always driving?" Di María complained.
"You're hitching a ride, and you still have the nerve to whine?" Suker said, pointing at the car. "You're the cheapest one here. If not you, then who?"
Di María rolled his eyes. "Taking care of the weak is a virtue!"
"Nope." Suker sneered. "The weak get bullied."
Kaká: "Survival of the fittest."
Srna: "Might makes right."
The three high-fived.
"Yay!"
Di María rolled his eyes again, then suddenly asked, "Kaká, what position do you play?"
"No idea," Kaká shrugged. "Depends on the third week's integrated training."
"I can play DM, AM, winger, CM—wherever I'm needed."
Di María pleaded, "Please don't play on the wings. It's already hellishly competitive out there!"
Suker would likely shift between center forward and winger.
Next season, he'd probably focus more on playing as a striker.
With Benzema, Di María, and Higuaín already battling, adding Kaká would be pure chaos.
"Just play CM—no one's fighting you for that."
Kaká nodded. "That works. If I stay aligned with Suker, we can coordinate better—even do overlapping runs. But it's up to the coach."
He turned to Suker. "What do you think? Where should I play?"
Suker thought for a moment.
"Central midfielder."
Kaká smiled. "I thought so too."
Kaká had excellent playmaking skills—great distribution and vision.
But that would overlap with Xabi Alonso.
Still, Suker didn't want to waste Kaká's attacking potential.
He had just acquired [Kaká's Awareness]—he couldn't let it go to waste.
God-Slaying Kaká!Damn it.He was determined to make use of that synergy.
Suker was obsessed with it.
"How's the defense coming along?" Suker asked.
That's what intrigued him most.
Real Madrid's attack was already strong—improvements were just icing on the cake.
But defense needed change.
And Mourinho was a defensive genius. One way or another, he'd improve Real Madrid's backline.
Srna thought for a moment. "The framework is there, and it's becoming more structured. But guys like Ramos and Pepe still need time to adjust—especially through actual match experience."
"So, just a matter of chemistry?"
Suker asked.
Srna nodded. "Exactly."
"Right now, both Pepe and Ramos play too aggressively. Sometimes they both charge forward at once, leaving the back exposed."
"If I'm in the back, I can cover them. But if I push up and the opponent counters, we're vulnerable."
Kaká: "So it's about needing a holding player."
Srna nodded. "Right."
"Time will fix that. The season's just beginning."
Di María turned the wheel and pulled into Suker's villa.
They all got out.
Suker headed for his front door, the other three following.
"You guys not going home?"
Suker asked.
"Already got a ride…" Srna grinned. "Might as well get dinner too."
"My wife isn't here!" Srna raised his hand.
Kaká also raised his. "Mine's not here either!"
Di María blinked. "My… my wife's cooking sucks."
Suker rolled his eyes.
Di María had just gotten married. He had invited Suker, but Suker was too busy and only sent his congratulations.
"Call Georgelina over too—if she's cooking for four, might as well cook for five."
Suker waved.
Di María immediately dashed off to fetch her.
"Sorry to bother you again," Georgelina said awkwardly.
"No need to be polite," Suker waved it off. "Go sit down—no need to help."
Then he dragged Srna, Kaká, and Di María into the kitchen as assistants.
Georgelina giggled at the scene.
Everyone helped out, and they all sat down to eat together.
They chatted about the upcoming season, analyzed the team—but mostly just joked around.
Laughter filled the villa.
Georgelina smiled as she watched Di María joyfully gesturing and laughing.
Since leaving Argentina, he hadn't made many close friends—and few could make him feel this at ease.
Even Georgelina could sense that this was a genuine, unfiltered friendship.
Even when they cursed in conversation, it never felt offensive.
She could tell—Di María had found true friends.
After dinner, they all left for their own homes.
Di María and Georgelina walked toward their villa.
She glanced at Suker's car and said, "Ángel, should we buy a car?"
"A car?" Di María blinked. "Why?"
"You can't keep hitching rides forever."
Di María laughed."Don't worry—my rides come at a price!"
The Next Morning, 7 a.m.
Everyone gathered in front of Suker's villa as usual.
Di María smoothly took the car keys from Suker and drove the group to the training base.
Under the morning sun and cheerful atmosphere, a new day of training began.
The second week of split training continued.
Each position's players had mostly grasped their positioning and movement routes.
Their overall tactical understanding was improving rapidly.
That's the beauty of a top-tier club—they had a wide range of options.
Players with poor tactical awareness had already been weeded out.
To make it to Real Madrid, you had to be elite among elites.
So by the sixth day of training, Mourinho decided it was time to transition into full-team sessions.
At this point, it was already August 3rd.
After the third week's full-team training, Real Madrid would begin their preseason friendlies to prepare for the new season.
On August 22nd, they'd face Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.
That would be Mourinho's first real test since taking over.