José Mourinho is already beginning to impose his decisions at Real Madrid. While Thiago Pitarch appeared to be heading to Fulham during the latest summer transfer window, the Portuguese coach reportedly personally blocked the young Spanish midfielder’s departure. It is a veto that says plenty about the Special One’s plans.
Pitarch could have continued his career in the Premier League. At 19, the Real Madrid midfielder looked set to join Fulham, where he would have reunited with Alvaro Arbeloa, the coach who handed him his professional debut in Madrid. However, according to AS, Mourinho decided otherwise and directly opposed the move to the Cottagers.
Mourinho is counting on Pitarch
The decision is all the more intriguing because Mourinho has yet to use Pitarch since taking charge at Real Madrid. Nevertheless, the Portuguese manager reportedly sees the young Spaniard as a player who could earn opportunities in the future.
Mourinho’s message therefore appears clear: Real Madrid will not rush into letting some of their academy talents leave. Even without immediate playing time, Pitarch is expected to remain around the first team and wait for his opportunity.
For Fulham and Arbeloa, the move is off the table for now. For Pitarch, however, Mourinho’s personal intervention is a significant sign that the Portuguese coach clearly sees potential in the young Real Madrid midfielder.
