Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

”Since the coaching change, Barcelona has won two straight matches in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, with scores of 4–0 against Espanyol and 6–0 against Córdoba.”

”Vilanova has essentially been in charge of Barcelona’s first-team training even before this—he was Guardiola’s most trusted assistant and the person most familiar with his tactics. His ability to manage cup matches still needs to be tested, but when it comes to La Liga opponents, he knows them inside out.”

”With this current Barcelona squad, if there aren’t any internal crises, Vilanova should have no problem guiding them through the league. So, our recommendation—”

Before Aitor Karanka could finish his summary in the meeting room, Mourinho rubbed his temples and opened his eyes.

”Alright, I understand. Let’s go with the final decision. We’ve already retained the Copa del Rey. I believe the fans will understand.”

Hearing this, Karanka and the other members of the coaching staff exhaled in relief.

The hardest part of these meetings was always achieving internal consensus. Now that the head coach had made the call, everything else would be much easier.

First, they needed to explain the strategy to the players and unify the team’s mindset. Second, they had to manage public relations and secure fan support.

Mourinho and Karanka would personally handle the team briefing.

As for the media and fans, that would fall to Sánchez and President Florentino Pérez.

The day before the match against Osasuna, Mourinho gathered the entire first team after training and informed them of the decision to deprioritize the Copa del Rey.

The players were surprised at first, but after thinking it through, they understood.

Last year, Madrid had clawed their way through a treble run while competing on all fronts, but even then, no one had expected it to happen. The squad had been running on sheer willpower and belief—determined to go all in for just one title, and if they failed, at least they’d have no regrets.

Not to mention, their league lead last year had been massive. They could afford to sacrifice a few league games to focus on the cup.

This year? Not a chance.

Barcelona still had an undefeated record and were ahead of Madrid in the standings, even with one game in hand. The pressure in La Liga was far more intense.

So sacrificing the Copa del Rey to lighten the load and focus on defending the league title made sense to everyone.

Just like Mourinho had told his coaching staff—Madrid had nothing left to prove in the domestic cup. They’d already won it twice in a row, beating Barcelona in the final both times.

Now, the real prize was retaining the La Liga crown and chasing European glory.

With the players all in agreement, the team reached a quick consensus.

But Florentino Pérez, after learning of Mourinho’s intention, soon called to confirm.

”José, understand, it’s not that I place special importance on the Copa del Rey—but it offers a safety net. If worst comes to worst and we lose either the league or Champions League, at least with the cup, we still walk away with a domestic double. That matters a lot in the media.”

Mourinho’s answer was firm and unwavering.

”We will retain both the league and Champions League titles. A reduced load will allow us to dominate across both competitions. Trust me, President.”

Hearing this, Florentino didn’t argue further. He pledged to help manage the media fallout.

After all, what he wanted most was silverware.

If Madrid pulled off the double, he’d clean up any mess Mourinho left in the press.

If not?

Well… that was a different story.

Officially, Real Madrid had closed ranks.

The club’s PR team hadn’t released anything public yet, but contingency plans were in motion.

On January 12, Madrid sent out a half-strength squad to face Osasuna away at El Sadar.

Alonso was rested again, with Li Ang taking on the deep-lying playmaker role alongside Essien and Modrić.

Cristiano, Benzema, and Callejón started up front.

The backline featured Marcelo, Pepe, Albiol, and Carvajal.

Adán replaced Casillas in goal once again.

This lineup was close to what the media had predicted—against relegation-threatened Osasuna, rotation was expected.

But once the match began, the aggressive pressing tactics Madrid employed stunned everyone.

Madrid had already played two games the previous week. Even a fitness freak like Li Ang couldn’t be expected to keep going at full throttle forever.

Three matches in ten days, all played at full intensity? It looked insane.

Most pundits were baffled. Some questioned Mourinho’s sanity and squad management.

Only a few insiders suspected what was really going on.

But they kept quiet.

Madrid won 3–1 away.

Next up?

January 15: Copa del Rey quarterfinal, first leg at the Bernabéu against Valencia.

Amid a wave of speculation, Madrid quietly returned to Valdebebas to prepare.

On January 14, the club announced an 18-man squad list.

Looked normal. All the big names were included.

Then, an hour before kickoff on the 15th, the starting lineup was revealed—and the media went nuts.

The full squad had been named, yes—but only half the usual starters were in the XI.

And none of them had started against Osasuna.

Li Ang, Ronaldo, Benzema, Essien, and Pepe were all on the bench.

Valencia’s players were shocked. Newly appointed coach Ernesto Valverde was baffled.

What was Mourinho planning? Some kind of tactical trap?

He began cautiously.

But when it became clear Madrid was just playing conservatively—no strange tricks—Valverde realized too late.

By the time he pushed his players forward, Madrid had already battened down the hatches.

Casillas, Ramos, Coentrão, Arbeloa, and Alonso anchored the back. Hard to break through.

Up front, Di María and Higuaín lurked, ready to spring on the counter.

With Alonso’s long balls and Di María’s speed, Madrid still posed plenty of threat.

The game became a tense midfield battle.

Few chances. Lots of tackles. Minimal flair.

Predictably, the crowd at the Bernabéu grew restless.

Mourinho sat calmly on the bench, unmoved.

Halftime: 0–0.

Early in the second half, Valencia broke through.

Parejo sent in a curling cross, and Soldado buried it.

1–0 to Valencia.

Still, Mourinho didn’t flinch.

Valverde kept pushing.

Then, in the 73rd minute, Mourinho made his move.

Li Ang and Cristiano came on, replacing Matuidi and Lucas Vázquez.

Six minutes later, Madrid equalized.

Li Ang’s interception started it, Xabi Alonso launched a long pass, and Higuaín laid it off for Ronaldo.

First shot, first goal.

Cristiano smashed it past Guaita.

1–1.

After the match, the press conference was full of pointed questions.

Mourinho smiled, parried, and dodged them all.

Valencia, meanwhile, were riding high.

Snatching a draw at the Bernabéu and grabbing an away goal? Morale soared.

Valverde vowed to bring the same intensity to the upcoming league match.

But on January 20, when he saw Madrid’s full-strength lineup, dread crept in.

Sure enough, Madrid came out guns blazing.

Cristiano scored a hat trick. Li Ang powered home a headed goal.

Madrid crushed Valencia 7–3 at the Mestalla.

The highest-scoring match in La Liga so far that season.

And with that, Spanish media suddenly reversed their tone.

Gone were the doubts. Now they were singing Mourinho’s praises again.

But just as the hype train started rolling, Mourinho dropped another bombshell.

He released the squad list for the second leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinal.

Full rotation.

Several Castilla youth players were included.

Not a single first-team regular made the list.

They were all resting at home.

At last, even the slowest fans and reporters got the message.

This wasn’t about poor form or questionable strategy.

Mourinho had deliberately thrown the Copa del Rey away.

Had it not been for the home unbeaten streak, he might’ve done it in the first leg!

If any other coach at Madrid had pulled this, they would’ve been torched in the press.

But this was Mourinho.

And when he makes such a bold decision—it’s somehow completely justifiable.

Real Madrid had chosen their path.

Like warriors climbing the single steep trail up Mount Hua:

All in for a double title defense.

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