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Jose Mourinho has made a huge statement about Bernardo Silva, and it is something that fans cannot miss.
Mourinho has criticised Silva’s fitness after his first appearance for Real Madrid.
Silva made his debut in a 2-1 pre-season win over Ferencvaros, featuring in the second half following his summer move from Manchester City.
The Portugal international joined on a free transfer after his contract expired, arriving with high expectations after a trophy-laden spell in England.
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Jose Mourinho questions Bernardo Silva fitness after Real Madrid debut
Mourinho did not hold back when evaluating Silva’s first outing.
Speaking after the match, he said, ‘He is very important, but the poor guy is one of those players who benefits mentally from not doing anything during vacation, and he arrived for pre-season at a fairly low physical level.
‘He has to improve. But he is an incredible player.’
It was a typically blunt verdict from the Real Madrid manager.
Despite praising Silva’s quality, Mourinho made it clear that his current condition is not where it needs to be ahead of the new season.
He also revealed that he had to adjust Silva’s role during the game.
Mourinho explained that he moved him into a more advanced position after noticing a lack of physical sharpness in midfield.
That decision underlines the work still required for Silva to reach full fitness.
Meanwhile, Silva himself struck a more positive tone after the game.
Speaking to club media, he said he was ‘very happy’ to make his debut and stressed the importance of building rhythm during pre-season.
He also admitted there are ‘many things to improve’ as he settles into his new surroundings.
With that in mind, the coming weeks will be key for both player and club.
What’s positive is that Silva comes with 76 goals and 75 assists from 460 games for City. He captained the club to FA Cup and Carabao Cup glory last season.
Real Madrid continue their pre-season schedule with the next game against Deportivo lined up, giving Silva more chances to build match fitness ahead of the La Liga season.
For Mourinho, the priority will be ensuring his new signing is ready when competitive action begins against Espanyol on August 23.
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