Raul Asencio on Mourinho’s Return and Bernardo Silva's Impact
Raul Asencio can feel it already. The shift. The noise. The sense that Real Madrid are about to step back into a familiar, volatile orbit.
The young centre-back spent his Sunday away from the training pitch, taking in the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix at Montmelo, but his mind never drifted far from the Santiago Bernabeu. Between the roar of engines and the flash of cameras, he spoke openly to Spanish media about three things that will define his near future: Jose Mourinho, Bernardo Silva and Spain’s World Cup bid.
Mourinho’s return: “Passion and grit”
Asencio grew up watching Mourinho’s first spell at Real Madrid. He wasn’t in the dressing room then, just a boy watching from afar as the club’s temperature rose several degrees.
“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.
Now he gets to live it from the inside.
“Now, with Mourinho’s new project, I think it’s very exciting and I’m really looking forward to starting,” he said, unable to hide the anticipation of working under the Portuguese.
Real Madrid have watched Barcelona dominate La Liga for the past two seasons. That grates on everyone inside Valdebebas, especially players like Asencio who see Mourinho’s edge as a weapon in that fight.
Asencio didn’t bother to dress it up.
“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: Mourinho’s mentality isn’t nostalgia, it’s a tool. And Real Madrid intend to use it.
Bernardo Silva talk lights up the project
The other name on everyone’s lips is Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid, and although no deal has been confirmed, Asencio spoke about the possibility as if he could already picture him in white.
“He’s very, very good, it would be a real boost for the team,” the academy graduate admitted.
No big tactical breakdown. No grand claim. Just the simple recognition that adding a player of Bernardo’s level tilts the balance in key moments.
The defender stressed that the dressing room is ready for any reinforcement that fits the club’s ambitions.
“We’ll welcome anyone that comes with open arms and we’re sure that the project being built is incredible.”
Mourinho on the bench. Potentially Bernardo Silva on the pitch. For players like Asencio, trying to cement their place in the squad, the stakes rise – and so does the appeal of being part of it.
Watching Spain from the outside
Away from club football, Asencio faces a different reality. He is not part of Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite previous call-ups from Luis de la Fuente. Others will carry La Roja’s shirt in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
That doesn’t cool his support.
“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 tournament newcomers Cape Verde, and Asencio expects them to handle that assignment with authority. For him, the World Cup will be experienced as a fan, not a protagonist.
For now.
Because once the engines fall silent at Montmelo and pre-season begins, his world narrows to one challenge: convince Mourinho he belongs in this “new project” and turn admiration from the stands into a place on the pitch – for club, and one day, for country.
