The Portuguese midfielder arrived this summer as one of the Spanish giant’s major signings and is gradually beginning to take on a role that could prove fundamental to the new project: becoming one of the players responsible for bringing purpose and control to the team’s ball circulation.
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Bernardo Silva Reveals What José Mourinho Asks of Him at Real Madrid
José Mourinho knows exactly what he expects from Bernardo Silva at Real Madrid.
Following the 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu, Bernardo himself explained the main responsibility his manager has given him.
“Mourinho asks me to help build the play. He wants me to give the team more fluidity so that we can move forward with the ball. I try to adapt and offer the best version of myself.”
It is a statement that helps explain exactly what the Portuguese coach is looking for from his compatriot.
Bernardo Silva, the Composure Mourinho Is Looking For
Mourinho’s Real Madrid has more than enough speed.
With players such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Yan Diomande, the Spanish side can become devastating when it finds space and is able to accelerate.
The manager himself acknowledged after the match that his team can sometimes become too “frantic.”
That is where Bernardo comes in.
Against Rayo Vallecano, the Portuguese midfielder completed 92% of his passes, created one key chance, and completed 22 passes in the opposition half during his 69 minutes on the pitch.
He did not need to score or provide an assist to make an impact.
His contribution came precisely in the areas Mourinho demands from him: staying involved, providing an outlet, connecting the lines, and helping Real Madrid progress with the ball more efficiently.
It is no coincidence that the manager has repeatedly highlighted the tactical intelligence of a player he can use as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even starting from the right wing.
Bernardo Is Still Searching for His Best Version
The process, however, is only beginning.
Bernardo Silva acknowledges that he still needs time to fully understand his new teammates and discover how he can have an even greater impact on the team.
“I’m still adapting to the team and learning what I can do better and how I can develop to help the team even more.”
His adaptation has also faced some obstacles.
Mourinho admitted during preseason that the midfielder had arrived below the physical level he expected and challenged him to improve in that area.
Now, a version much closer to what the manager envisioned when he requested his signing is beginning to emerge.
Real Madrid Responds in LaLiga
The victory over Rayo Vallecano also allowed Real Madrid to respond after its setback against Real Betis.
Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Álvaro Carreras doubled the advantage just minutes later. Before halftime, Bellingham added the third after an assist from Vinicius Junior.
Sergio Camello pulled one back for Rayo Vallecano early in the second half, but Mbappé struck again in stoppage time to complete his brace and seal the 4-1 victory.
The result leaves Real Madrid on 12 points and firmly back in the battle near the top of LaLiga.
But beyond the goals, the match offered another glimpse of the team Mourinho is trying to build.
The Portuguese coach has players who can run.
He has players who can create something out of nothing.
He has goals.
What he is looking for now is someone capable of deciding when to accelerate and when to give the game a little room to breathe.
And for that mission, Bernardo Silva could become one of the most important pieces of the new Real Madrid.
