One month after completing his move to Real Madrid for €125 million, Yan Diomande is still waiting for his first start. The massive investment made by the Spanish giants has raised expectations around the young attacker, but José Mourinho does not want the size of the transfer fee to rush a development process he believes must be handled patiently.
Mourinho Urges Real Madrid Fans to Be Patient With Yan Diomande
The most expensive signing in Real Madrid history has yet to start a match, but José Mourinho is calling for patience with Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old player he believes has extraordinary potential.
The 19-year-old has played 83 minutes through the first four LaLiga matches, just 23% of the 360 minutes available. He has featured against Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Málaga and Betis, but has come off the bench in each appearance.
Mourinho Does Not Want to Rush Diomande's Development
Competition for places has also made it difficult for him to break into the starting lineup. Arda Güler started three of the first four matches, while Brahim Díaz was given the other opportunity. The Turkish international's strong performances on the right wing have forced Diomande to remain patient.
For Mourinho, however, the situation is part of the plan. The Portuguese coach praised the youngster's willingness to learn and stressed that his adaptation should be gradual.
“He's an open, humble kid who wants to learn and work. He listens to me, but also to his teammates. He's going to grow,” the coach explained before delivering a clear message about the expectations created by the transfer fee: “He has incredible potential, but... take it easy. Stay calm.”
The Portuguese manager also pointed out that Diomande only has one full season of top-level experience with Leipzig, making it unfair to expect an immediate impact simply because he cost more than €100 million.
Inter Could Open the Door to His First Start
Mourinho's patience could soon give way to a major opportunity in the Champions League. Real Madrid will face Inter on Tuesday, and several absences have reduced the coach's options.
Güler and Bernardo Silva are suspended, as is Eduardo Camavinga, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Thiago are nearing the end of their respective recoveries. That situation leaves Brahim Díaz and Diomande as the leading candidates to occupy the wing.
After 83 minutes without a goal or an assist, the young Ivorian's start has been quiet. However, Real Madrid remains confident in his talent. For Mourinho, the message to the club's supporters is simple: the price tag may create immediate expectations, but Diomande is only 19 and needs time to show why the club made a historic investment in him.
