During their time together at Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho discussed his managerial approach for Cristiano Ronaldo in an open conversation on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube show FIVE, according to Sportskeeda.
Mourinho underlined the straightforwardness of his strategy by saying, “You don’t have to give him motivation. You can’t give him responsibility or ambition. In theory, you are unable to give him. All we’re doing is letting him be happy and making some tactical modifications for him.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s environment was emphasised by the Portuguese manager, who also stated that coaching wasn’t so much about imparting knowledge as it was about developing a tactical setup that allowed Ronaldo to show off his skills.
After Ronaldo joined La Liga, Mourinho commented on his evolution from a winger to a goalscorer, highlighting special occasions like Ronaldo’s first strike against Barcelona in the Spanish Cup final.
Ronaldo played 164 games for Real Madrid under Mourinho, amassing an incredible 168 goals and dishing out 49 assists. After spending nine years at Santiago Bernabeu, the player finished as the team’s all-time top scorer with 438 appearances, 450 goals, and 131 assists.
Meanwhile, David Alaba and Eder Militao’s ailments present Real Madrid with defensive problems in the transfer market. The La Liga powerhouses are reportedly interested in 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille, despite not being able to sign a defender during the January transfer window.
Yoro, who has a rumoured €60 million release clause, has become an important member of Lille’s squad and is drawing interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid as they look to replace Raphael Varane.
Real Madrid may pursue Yoro in the summer transfer window as they want to bolster their defence.