Raul Asencio Embraces Change at Real Madrid with Mourinho

Raul Asencio can feel the change coming at Real Madrid, and he likes what he sees.

The young centre-back spent his Sunday at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit for the Grand Prix at Montmelo, but his mind was firmly on the pitch, not the paddock. Surrounded by the noise of Formula 1, he talked about a different kind of speed: the pace at which Madrid are trying to rebuild under Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho’s return, through the eyes of a Madridista

Asencio grew up watching Mourinho’s first spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. Those years left a mark.

“I was little and I saw it, how the team changed, the competitiveness he introduced to the club, the passion and grit … I think those are characteristics that define me as a player,” he told ElDesmarque, clearly energised by the idea of working under the Portuguese.

Now he is no longer the kid in the stands. He is part of the dressing room that will live Mourinho’s second act in Madrid.

“Now, with Mourinho’s new project, I think it’s very exciting and I’m really looking forward to starting,” Asencio said.

Madrid have watched Barcelona dominate La Liga for the past two seasons. Mourinho has been brought back to break that pattern, to drag the title away from Catalonia and back to Chamartin. Asencio sees that challenge as a rallying point.

“I’m really excited to start with him at the helm. Yes, of course. He set the record, let’s go for it.”

The message is clear: the bar has already been set by Mourinho once. The dressing room wants to chase it down again.

Bernardo Silva talk adds to the buzz

The defender’s enthusiasm is not limited to the man on the touchline. Out on the track at Montmelo, transfer talk still cut through the engine noise. One name in particular: Bernardo Silva.

Reports in Spain suggest the Portuguese playmaker is expected to join Real Madrid, and Asencio did nothing to hide his admiration, even as the club waits for official confirmation.

“He’s very, very good, it would be a real boost for the team,” the academy graduate admitted.

No grand declarations, no guarantees. Just the recognition that a player of Bernardo’s level would instantly raise the ceiling of a squad already being reshaped.

“We’ll welcome anyone that comes with open arms and we’re sure that the project being built is incredible,” Asencio added.

The word “project” keeps coming up around Madrid these days. Mourinho on the bench, possible elite additions like Bernardo Silva on the pitch, and academy products such as Asencio trying to carve out their place in the new hierarchy. It feels like a club bracing itself for a new cycle.

A supporter’s voice on Spain’s World Cup push

Away from club football, Asencio will watch the World Cup from home. He is not in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for FIFA World Cup 2026, despite previous call-ups, but his attachment to La Roja has not dimmed.

“From here, as a Spaniard and as an admirer, I support the team, I wish them the best, that they reach the final and can win and celebrate together,” he said.

Spain open their campaign against Cape Verde, tournament newcomers making their World Cup debut. Asencio expects Spain to handle that assignment and build early momentum in the group.

He will not be on the pitch in that tournament, but he stands at an intriguing crossroads of his own: on the verge of a season under Mourinho, in a Real Madrid side that may soon add Bernardo Silva and is openly chasing back the league title.

From Montmelo to Madrid, the noise is only getting louder.