According to a report by Madrid Universal on Friday October 23, 2026, Jose Mourinho is reportedly winning over the Real Madrid dressing room, with senior players pleased with his man-management and personal approach.

The Portuguese coach is working to improve relationships within the squad following reported tensions between players and coaching staff during the periods of Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

According to reports, Mourinho has established a more comfortable atmosphere at the club’s Valdebebas training ground. His experience and reputation have earned him respect, but his behaviour away from matchdays is also making a positive impression on the players.

The manager reportedly spends time interacting with his squad after training sessions. He jokes with the players and adjusts his communication style to suit different personalities. His ability to manage individual egos has also been identified as one of his important strengths.

Rather than depending entirely on his authority as head coach, Mourinho is prioritising personal relationships to strengthen his connection with the dressing room. This approach could prove valuable at a club where expectations are exceptionally high and managing established stars is a major responsibility.

Real Madrid are also hoping to move beyond the difficulties experienced under Alonso and Arbeloa. Their respective periods were reportedly affected by disagreements involving players and members of the coaching staff.

These issues contributed to a complicated atmosphere within the squad. Different loyalties and conflicting opinions reportedly made it more difficult to maintain unity between the players and their coaches.

Mourinho appears determined to address those problems by combining his usual authority with closer personal engagement. The positive response from senior players suggests that his efforts are helping improve communication and rebuild trust within the dressing room.

However, maintaining the improved atmosphere will remain an important challenge throughout the campaign. Selection decisions, disappointing results and competition for starting positions could still create frustration among the squad's high-profile players.

For now, the reports emerging from Valdebebas suggest Mourinho is making encouraging progress. His approach is helping ease previous tensions and establish a stronger relationship between the Real Madrid players and coaching staff.