Mourinho has special plan devised to avoid another Mastantuono situation with Real Madrid record signing
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is implementing a gradual development plan for record signing Yan Diomande to avoid the pressure-related struggles seen with previous young players. The club aims to integrate the 19-year-old slowly into the first team.
Why it matters
The management of high-value young talent in professional football is a critical aspect of team strategy and long-term financial investment.
Real Madrid had a dream summer transfer window, making as many as six first-team signings and bringing back Jose Mourinho.
Los Blancos also broke their transfer record, making Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande their most expensive signing of all time.
However, according to AS , Mourinho has no intention of letting the €125 million price tag dictate how quickly the 19-year-old becomes a starter for Madrid.
The Portuguese tactician has designed a careful development plan for Diomande, aimed at removing pressure while gradually preparing the Ivory Coast international for an important role in his Madrid side.
Diomande has played only 25, six and 26 minutes, respectively, against Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Malaga.
Given his enormous transfer fee, supporters could reasonably have expected a more immediate role.
Yan Diomande is being eased into life at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
"He has to go little by little," Mourinho said.
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