Mourinho To Demand Defensive Discipline From Alexander-Arnold, Gallas Warns

Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has cautioned that Real Madrid manager José Mourinho will prioritize defensive rigor over attacking flair in his upcoming talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold, insisting the right-back must adapt or face exclusion from the starting lineup.

Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, Gallas empemphasised that Mourinho plans a direct conversation with the England international, making it clear that defensive reliability is non-negotiable. While Alexander-Arnold is renowned for his assists and counter-attacking contributions, Gallas stressed that Mourinho will demand a fundamental shift in focus.

“I think Jose Mourinho is going to give him the opportunity. I don’t think he will just put him on the side. He’s going to speak with him and explain that defending is very important,” Gallas said. “They will have a very honest conversation about what is required. Defenders have to defend very well. The stronger you are at the back, the more opportunities you have to win games.”

Gallas added that Mourinho will outline clear consequences: “He will explain that if he wants to be in the starting eleven, he has to defend well first. So he will give him the opportunity, and then it is up to Alexander-Arnold to change his football and be more focused on defending, otherwise, he could be gone soon.”

With Dani Carvajal sidelined and Alexander-Arnold fully fit, the 27-year-old is poised to become Madrid’s first-choice right-back heading into the new season—but only if he meets Mourinho’s exacting defensive standards, according to Gallas.