Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has expressed unease over September’s extended three-week international window and the length of time his squad members will spend away from the club.
“The international period is a concern for me,” Mourinho said. “Three weeks is a considerable amount of time.”
Ahead of Sunday’s La Liga home fixture against Malaga (16:00 BST), Mourinho explained that his main concern involves players who travel to represent their countries but receive little or no playing time.
“I am less concerned about those who join their national sides and actually play. My concern is for the players who travel but are barely involved,” he said.
“We will have to find the best way to handle the situation and train with those who remain here. However, being without several players for three weeks makes things difficult.”
Next month’s opening international window of the 2026-27 men’s football campaign will be one week longer than normal, while the customary October break has been removed from the calendar.
During recent seasons, Fifa has generally scheduled five major international windows, taking place in March, June, September, October and November.
Under the revised schedule, international fixtures will instead occupy a three-week period spanning late September and early October. National teams will play four matches during that time rather than the usual two.
Several factors contributed to the adjustment, including the 2026 World Cup final being scheduled for 19 July, the latest date for a summer tournament final since 1966. Player wellbeing and the demands of international travel were also considered.
“I fully respect the choices made by the players and do not want to exaggerate the issue, but injuries frequently occur either during these windows or shortly after players return,” Mourinho explained.
“Naturally, that makes me anxious, although this is the current arrangement and there is not much we can do to change it.”
The Portuguese coach has previously discussed the World Cup participants in his Real Madrid squad, among them Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella and Kylian Mbappe, following their demanding summer schedules.
He said the club are carefully controlling the players’ workloads in an effort to limit the likelihood of injury.
During his pre-match press conference, Mourinho also praised Bellingham and emphasised that the midfielder’s value extends well beyond what he provides in attack.
“He is an exceptional type of footballer and a hugely influential member of the team,” Mourinho said.
“He offers mental resilience and tactical intelligence, wins possession back, applies pressure and contributes effectively in advanced positions.
“People often focus on Kylian, Vini [Vinicius Jr] and Jude, but I am genuinely pleased with every member of the squad.
“This club has an outstanding group of players.”
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