Trent Alexander-Arnold is excited to learn from Jose Mourinho, describing the opportunity to work with the returning Real Madrid boss as “a pleasure”.
Mourinho is back at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for a second stint at the helm, having previously won one LaLiga title, one Copa del Rey and a Supercopa de Espana between 2010 and 2013.
He has won 26 pieces of silverware throughout his career, lifting all three major UEFA trophies and winning the Champions League with both Porto and Inter.
His return comes after both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa only lasted half a season each, with Alexander-Arnold’s debut campaign at Madrid affected by injuries and poor form.
The former Liverpool full-back was restricted to 35 appearances in all competitions, 27 of which were starts, providing six assists but only contributing to four clean sheets.
But as he looks towards his second season in the Spanish capital, Alexander-Arnold is relishing the opportunity to play under Mourinho.
“I have 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,” Alexander-Arnold said. “It’s intense.
JM. Day 5. pic.twitter.com/mOj20CeGSB
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) July 17, 2026
“The principles and the level of demand 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.
“We’re all willing and eager to learn and improve. I’m sure he’ll teach us many things and help us win trophies this year.”
Madrid’s LaLiga campaign starts away to Espanyol on August 22, with Real Sociedad and Malaga their other opponents in the opening weeks of the season.
