Trent Alexander-Arnold has described Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations as physically demanding, highlighting the intensity of training sessions under returning manager Jose Mourinho while expressing confidence in the team’s ambitions for the new campaign.
The England international said the squad has been put through rigorous workouts since reporting back to the club’s training base at Valdebebas, with double training sessions in the sweltering Madrid heat setting the tone for preparations ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Reflecting on the opening days of pre-season, Alexander-Arnold admitted the workload has been exactly what the players expected.
“So far, so good. It’s hot and very intense. We’re in preseason, and that’s what we expected. There are a lot of tough sessions, a lot of double sessions, so it’s been intense so far,” the right-back said.
The former Liverpool defender also revealed he carefully managed his off-season to ensure he returned in top physical condition.
After taking time to recover, he gradually resumed fitness work before linking up with his teammates.
“In the summer you have a couple of weeks off and then a couple of weeks getting back into running and regaining your fitness,” he explained. “Now, in preseason, you have to come back in shape. So I was ready and really looking forward to returning.”
Alexander-Arnold also praised Mourinho’s early influence on the squad, saying the Portuguese coach has already set demanding standards since beginning his second spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“With Mourinho? Very good, very good. I’ve always admired the coach. I’ve played against him a couple of times and it’s a pleasure to work with him and his team.
“He’s intense. The principles and the level of expectation are very high, so I’m looking forward to seeing how, the more we get to know each other, the more we learn and the more he can teach us. And we’re all willing and eager to learn and improve. I’m sure he’ll teach us a lot and help us win trophies this year.”
The defender’s comments reflect the high expectations surrounding Mourinho’s return, with Real Madrid aiming to challenge for major honours after an exhaustive pre-season programme designed to prepare the squad for the demands of the new season.
