Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has appealed to Rafael Nadal’s supporters to remain loyal to the tennis icon despite his proposed appointment to the Spanish club’s board of directors.
Mourinho made the appeal while speaking to journalists after Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League.
Reacting to the club’s decision to nominate Nadal for a board position, the Portuguese manager described the development as exciting and congratulated both the tennis star and the club.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in a post on X on Thursday, Mourinho said, “Rafa Nadal and Real Madrid? Chapeau. It’s a fantastic news. Congrats to the club and to Rafa,” he said.
He then added: “What I will say is that I hope the fans who support him do not stop supporting him just because he is now a Real Madrid member!”
Nadal, a devoted Real Madrid supporter and honorary member for several years, is expected to join the club’s board, subject to approval at the General Assembly scheduled for November 21.
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Mourinho described the proposed appointment as an honour for the club and its supporters, while jokingly urging Nadal’s followers outside the Real Madrid fanbase not to withdraw their support because of his association with the Spanish giants.
The manager also discussed his squad options during the press conference, expressing frustration over the number of quality players he cannot accommodate in his starting line-up for every match.
Speaking about the challenge of managing his squad depth, Mourinho admitted: “It makes me angry how many great players I have that I can’t play or start every game…”
He particularly praised Brazilian youngster Endrick, pointing to the forward’s ability to trouble opponents when introduced from the bench.
Mourinho explained that bringing on the energetic attacker against defenders already weakened by fatigue could create serious problems for opposing teams, describing the experience as “a real tragedy” for them.
He added that having several quality players gives the team an advantage, provided individual ambitions remain secondary to collective success.