According to a report by Madrid Universal on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Jose Mourinho is considering a more individual approach to managing Real Madrid’s squad, drawing on methods reportedly used by Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique to limit fatigue.

The plan goes beyond changing the starting lineup. Mourinho wants players to receive recovery time according to their needs, potentially including extra days away from training. The aim is to keep key members physically and mentally prepared for the decisive stages of the campaign.

Luis Enrique has reportedly given regular starters opportunities to rest during the first half of the season, rather than waiting until exhaustion affects their performances. Mourinho is interested in adapting that philosophy to Madrid.

Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni were reportedly among the first players to benefit, missing the starting lineup for the Champions League match against AEK Athens. Their absence was described as workload management, not necessarily a judgement on their performances.

Mourinho is expected to consider similar arrangements for others as the season develops. Decisions will involve departments at the Valdebebas training complex, where staff assess players’ conditions and recovery needs.

Factors include match minutes, physical exertion, recovery levels and upcoming fixtures. Training intensity, selection and rest periods could therefore be adjusted individually instead of applying identical rules to the entire squad.

The strategy comes amid concerns about injuries and the strain of competing in several tournaments. Keeping influential players available is important for Madrid, who face domestic competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid while also pursuing European honours.

However, adopting PSG’s model may not be straightforward. Ligue 1 presents different demands from La Liga, where Madrid face a demanding title race. The Spanish club may have less flexibility to leave important players out of matches.

Mourinho’s challenge will be to balance recovery with the need for results. The approach is intended to prevent fatigue before it affects performance, while reducing the risk of key players becoming unavailable during the campaign. Its success will depend on whether Madrid can provide sufficient rest without compromising their pursuit of major trophies at crucial points in the season.