Real Madrid: José Mourinho Downplays Concerns Over Yan Diomandé's Playing Time

30.08.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Real Madrid

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Malaga

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José Mourinho sought to temper expectations. After Real Madrid’s 4-0 rout of Málaga in their La Liga Matchday 3 game, the coach was asked about Yan Diomandé, who remains a substitute.

Late Arrival

The Ivorian played 25 minutes—an increase from the 10 minutes he played against Real Sociedad (4-1) and the 26 minutes against Espanyol (2-1). “Yan arrived later and needs to take it step by step. He’s working hard, he’s humble, and he wants to learn and improve. He’ll continue to grow.”

“I can’t focus on the 100 M€”

Yan Diomandé, who arrived this summer from Leipzig, cost more than 125 M€. That figure puts immediate pressure on him. Mourinho brushes it off: “I can’t focus on the more than €100 million spent on him. When you’re talking about such a large sum, it feels like he has to give it his all right away. But he’s still young. Let’s take it easy.”

The message is clear: no rush. The Special One wants to ease him into the Madrid rotation. With 3 games and a total of 61 minutes under his belt, Diomandé is finding his footing. Real Madrid, the LA Liga leader after its 4-0 win, can afford to let him develop without rushing things.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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