José Mourinho has appealed to Rafael Nadal’s supporters to maintain their loyalty to the tennis legend following his proposed appointment to Real Madrid’s board of directors.
The Portuguese coach described the development as a positive step for the Spanish club, urging Nadal’s wider fanbase not to withdraw their support because of his association with the football side.
Reacting to the nomination after Real Madrid’s 3-2 Champions League victory over AEK Athens, Mourinho said, “Rafa Nadal and Real Madrid? Chapeau. It’s fantastic news. Congrats to the club and to Rafa.”
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He added, “I hope the fans who support him do not stop supporting him just because he is now a Real Madrid member!”
Nadal, a lifelong supporter of Real Madrid and a long-standing honorary member, is expected to join the club’s board, subject to ratification at its General Assembly on November 21.
The appointment would further strengthen the relationship between the 22-time Grand Slam champion and the Spanish football giants.
Meanwhile, Mourinho expressed frustration over the quality of players available to him at Real Madrid, admitting that the depth of his squad has made it difficult to give every player regular playing time.
“It makes me angry how many great players I have that I can’t play or start every game,” he said.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager also praised Brazilian forward Endrick’s impact as a substitute, warning that the youngster’s introduction against tiring defenders could create serious problems for opponents.
Mourinho described the prospect of facing Endrick late in matches as “a real tragedy” for defenders.
He stressed that Real Madrid’s squad strength remained an advantage, provided players prioritised the team’s collective objectives.
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