Bernardo Silva has been unable to find the playing time he wants at Real Madrid, as Jose Mourinho has left him out of his main plans, despite the Portuguese midfielder having joined during the summer to strengthen the midfield.
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Even before the start of the 2026/27 season, the Portuguese coach had highlighted the player’s physical condition and called for improvement during pre-season training.
“He arrived for pre-season in noticeably poorer physical condition and needs to improve,” Mourinho said at the beginning of August, while at the same time describing Silva as a very important player for the team.
However, his use in the opening matches suggests otherwise. Silva has played more than 15 minutes on only four occasions in a Real Madrid shirt, mainly in matches when Aurelien Tchouameni was not fit to start.
The latest international break did not change anything in his situation. He played only seven minutes for the Portugal national team, while he remained on the bench for the entire duration of Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal.
The Portuguese arrived in Madrid as a free agent and was expected to help address the midfield’s difficulties. So far, however, he has been facing fierce competition in a team where even the biggest names are not guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.
The Madrid club began the summer transfer window needing to strengthen its midfield, especially after the departures of two historic figures, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Despite investments in other areas, Silva remained the main signing for that sector.
The initial plan was for him to serve as an alternative in midfield, while Rodri would take on the role of defensive playmaker. But after Rodri chose Barcelona, Mourinho continued working with the same midfielders who had failed to win major trophies in previous seasons.
In the first three La Liga matches in which Silva started, Real Madrid recorded three victories and scored ten goals. Tchouameni’s return to optimal physical condition brought a change, as Silva’s minutes were significantly reduced and Mourinho entrusted the Valverde-Tchouameni partnership.
The American outlet Sports Illustrated believes that the coach is repeating the mistakes of his predecessors by insisting on a midfield pairing that has failed to deliver the hoped-for results in major competitions.
Mourinho’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation does not create many opportunities for Silva. The number 10 position is occupied by Jude Bellingham or Arda Guler, while competition on the right wing is also fierce.
Despite his current status, Real Madrid may need his abilities. His passing accuracy, composure under pressure and capacity to direct the team’s build-up could give the side a dimension it currently lacks.
The team’s weaknesses were also evident against Villarreal. Madrid struggled to create chances and were booed by the fans at the end of the first half. After the break, Mourinho changed his tactical approach, moving Arda Guler into midfield and Valverde to the right side of the defense.
Even during this improvement, Silva watched the entire match from the bench.
Pressure on Mourinho has increased, as Real Madrid are six points behind Barcelona in the title race and the team’s performances have not been convincing.
If the team’s play and results do not take the right direction, the coach may be forced to reassess the formation and the composition of the midfield. El Clasico against Barcelona, which will be played at the end of the month, could become a decisive moment for Silva’s future in Madrid as well.
A defeat in that encounter would further weaken Mourinho’s position and could give Silva the opportunity to take on a greater role in the team./
