Dean Huijsen backs Mourinho as Real Madrid narrows defensive gap

At the sprawling Valdebebas training complex, Real Madrid began pre‑season under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, with Dutch centre‑back Dean Huijsen arriving as a home‑grown option to sit alongside new signing Ibrahima Konate, signalling the club’s push to close a defensive gap. There was plenty of curiosity surrounding Jose Mourinho’s first day back at Real Madrid, but for Dean Huijsen the occasion felt a little different. While many squad members were working under the Portuguese coach for the first time, the young centre‑back was reunited with a manager he already knows well from their time together at Roma. As Real Madrid officially kicked off preparations for the 2026/27 campaign at Valdebebas, Huijsen greeted supporters and briefly spoke to the media. Mourinho’s training sessions are known for intensity, discipline and attention to detail, which is one of the reasons Real Madrid turned to the experienced coach in the hope of restoring the club’s identity. When asked to describe the manager in a few words, Huijsen said, “He’s a good person,” as reported by Mundo Deportivo. He also noted he had kept himself in shape throughout the summer break, adding, “Well, we’ve got to train.”

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Looking ahead to a successful campaign, Huijsen said he aims for “lots of trophies.” A photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images captured the moment the defender answered the question about his ambitions. When asked about fellow defender Ibrahima Konate, who recently joined Real Madrid to strengthen Mourinho’s defensive options, Huijsen admitted, “I don’t know [Konate] … he’s a very good player.” The Spanish international’s arrival increases competition in central defence, meaning Huijsen knows he must earn regular minutes from the start of pre‑season. Huijsen understands that consistency from the very beginning of pre‑season will be essential to secure a regular place in Mourinho’s line‑up. He will have to compete daily in training and prove his readiness as the season progresses. Mourinho’s reputation for intensity and detail, cited as why Real Madrid hired him, underlines the importance of Huijsen’s belief as the club seeks to restore a clear defensive identity.