Real Madrid did not fortify the midfield to their liking in the recent summer transfer window, and instead ended up strengthening the defence and the attack.
Bernardo Silva, eventually, remained the only standout midfield signing but there was a second, lesser hyped signing that the club made in the form of Sergio Martinez.
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Los Blancos registered the player with the Castilla side and Jose Mourinho immediately saw the player’s quality.
He immediately called him up to train with the first-team and a debut even appeared to be on the line when matters suddenly cooled down.
Mourinho’s vital realisation
As reported by Defensa Central now, the decision to slow down Martinez’s development and jump to prominence was none other than Jose Mourinho’s.
Mourinho has faith in the new midfielder. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Despite having early confidence in the player, the manager realised that too much was changing around the player too fast, right from his relatively recent arrival to first-division football to his recent move to Spain.
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The expectations around the player, moreover, were increasing to an all-time high after his immediate incorporation into first-team training, and the manager realised it may be a little too much, too soon for Martinez.
What is the player’s route back?
The Spanish outlet further explain that Martinez is currently with the Castilla side, garnering minutes under his belt and enjoying consistency away from the limelight.
Martinez must shine with the Castilla side. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
His objective is simple – to regain consistency, play at a high level and force his way back into Mourinho’s plans through hard-earned merit. After all, the manager continues to trust him but is awaiting a sign that he is ready for a promotion.
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The player’s behaviour, attitude, performances and competitive spirit will all be crucial in earning his next first-team opportunity which only appears to be a matter of time. Until then, the Castilla will remain his playground to shine.
He is, needless to say, being closely monitored by the entire coaching staff who have serious hope in him to come good as the missing piece in the team’s midfield.
Mourinho’s decision to take a step back and prioritise the player’s gradual adaptation, if anything, comes as a very mature decision which reflects his concern for his dressing room.
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