Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has urged national team coaches to take greater care of players during the November international break, saying clubs are owed professionalism when footballers are recovering from matches.
Real Madrid moved level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona after beating Valencia 3-0 on Saturday night. The result leaves Mourinho’s side in a strong position as domestic football pauses for international fixtures.
The November 2026 international break runs from Monday, November 9th to Tuesday, November 17th. With club competitions temporarily suspended, attention will turn to the demands placed on players representing their countries – and the risk of injuries before the busy festive period.
Mourinho said he would be particularly demanding of clubs if he ever became a national team manager, because his priority would be protecting his own squad.
“I won’t talk because I don’t know if one day I’ll be a national team coach, but I have the feeling that if I ever do it, I’ll be very demanding with the clubs,” he said.
“I’ll think about myself and my team. That’s the feeling. They owe it to the players to be professional when it comes to helping them recover. Let’s hope we’re lucky.”
The Real Madrid manager also referred to his friendship with Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti, explaining why he did not want to contact national team coaches during the break.
“That’s why I don’t feel like calling anyone, even my friend Carlo,” Mourinho said.
“But, in Carlo’s case, just look at who’s going with Carlo: Vinicius, who must play; Endrick, and if Carlo plays him, I’ll be grateful.
“It’s not Carlo's side that worries me, but I don’t think they enjoy it either if a player gets injured from overexertion.”
Clubs will be hoping their key players return from international duty without injury, particularly with domestic leagues, European competitions and international fixtures leaving players with fewer chances to recover.
Real Madrid will receive a boost when Vinicius Junior returns from a four-game domestic ban against Celta Vigo on November 21st. His availability will give Mourinho another important option as club football resumes and the schedule builds towards Christmas.