La Liga starts today, so why do Barcelona and Real Madrid skip the first round?

Real Madrid has invested nearly 80 million euros in Endrick, yet José Mourinho continues to seek his exit, according to reports from AS and tportal. The Brazilian forward, who joined Palmeiras for a base fee of 35 million euros with potential additional payments of up to 25 million, is under pressure from the Portuguese manager. Mourinho has expressed a preference for a squad of around 20 players, including those currently injured, which raises concerns over Endrick’s future at the club. The situation is further complicated by Endrick's position in the pecking order, as he ranks behind Kylian Mbappé and Carles Pérez in the hierarchy of forwards. Mourinho has already signaled to Endrick that his role will shift from the right wing, where he occasionally played during his loan spell at Lyon, to that of a central striker. This change in positioning could impact Endrick’s chances of securing regular minutes this season. The competition for starting spots is fierce, both in attack and defense. On the right flank, Real Madrid already fields David Alaba, Brahim Diaz, and Bernardo Silva, while Rodrygo remains a viable option should he return from injury. Endrick’s current standing in the team’s hierarchy makes his path to consistent playing time uncertain. The player is already considering new opportunities, with clubs such as Roma and Aston Villa showing interest. According to AS, Endrick is looking for a club that competes in European competitions, preferably the Champions League, and offers him a prominent role as a main striker. His performance during his loan spell at Lyon was impressive, he scored eight goals and recorded seven assists in 21 matches, and helped secure his place in the Brazilian national team for the World Cup. These factors have made him an attractive target for other clubs. A move on loan would suit Real Madrid as well. The club has already spent close to 80 million euros on Endrick, including transfer fees, bonuses, and ancillary costs. To ensure his continued development, Real is willing to take on part of his salary to facilitate another loan deal. This approach reflects the club’s desire to keep Endrick within its system while giving him the opportunity to play regularly and gain experience in top-tier competition. Meanwhile, Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid with a clear vision of improving the team’s standards after a disappointing campaign that saw them fail to win major trophies. One of his immediate priorities has been to enforce stricter discipline, particularly regarding the players’ behavior in the locker room. Three key rules have been introduced: strict dietary control, mandatory solo training sessions for late arrivals, and rehabilitation programs conducted exclusively at the club’s training center in Valdebebas. Under the new dietary guidelines, players must adhere to a precisely planned meal schedule, with all meals, from breakfast to afternoon snacks, regulated by the club’s nutritionist. This marks a departure from the previous more flexible approach, where players had greater autonomy in their food choices. While some players initially resisted the change, they have reportedly accepted the new regime, recognizing its benefits for performance and recovery. For players arriving late to training, Mourinho has implemented a policy requiring them to train alone outside the group. This measure aims to instill a sense of responsibility and accountability among the squad. All players, regardless of their status or importance to the team, must arrive at least an hour before training begins. This rule applies universally, ensuring that no individual can bypass the expectations set by the coach. In addition, Mourinho has taken control of the rehabilitation process for injured players, insisting that all recovery protocols must take place at Valdebebas. This decision ensures that the club maintains full oversight of the players’ health and fitness, preventing external interventions that might compromise the quality of care. By centralizing the rehabilitation process, Mourinho aims to maintain consistency and effectiveness in the treatment of injuries. The introduction of these rules underscores Mourinho’s commitment to rebuilding the culture and structure of Real Madrid. With high expectations for the upcoming season, the coach is determined to create a disciplined environment that supports long-term success. As the club looks ahead to the challenges of the new campaign, the balance between investment and strategy will remain crucial in shaping its future.