Borja Mayoral has provided a candid assessment of his playing experience under Jose Mourinho at Roma, painting a nuanced portrait of one of football's most decorated yet polarising managers. The Spanish striker, who made 56 appearances and scored 18 goals during his time in Serie A, spoke to MARCA about both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with the Portuguese tactician, now back in charge at Real Madrid for the 2026-27 season.
Mayoral's account reveals a manager obsessed with competitive excellence at every level. "The training sessions were very competitive and very fun," he explained. "Even though my situation was not ideal, I enjoyed training with him a lot." The Special One has long been known for his meticulous preparation and intensity, with sessions typically lasting 45 minutes to one hour but designed with ball-focused, high-pressure drills that demand total concentration. This philosophy has underpinned Mourinho's record of winning two Champions Leagues and domestic titles across Spain, England, Italy, and Portugal—a haul unmatched by few managers in the modern era.
The Dark Side: Defeat and Dressing Room Friction
Yet Mayoral did not shy away from criticising Mourinho's reactive nature when results go against him. "Perhaps a bit was that inability to accept defeat. He made comments inside the dressing room that I did not like," the Getafe forward revealed. "Not only towards me, but also towards other team-mates. I understand that he is a very competitive person and in the heat of the moment we can all say things, but I believe that respect for people must always be above everything." This candid admission aligns with a recurring narrative around Mourinho's managerial career, where passion has occasionally tipped into disrespect during losing efforts.
However, Mayoral countered this criticism by highlighting Mourinho's human side. The manager frequently engaged Spanish players in conversations about their shared heritage and football journey, offering tactical insights and encouragement. "Over time, he even surprised me," Mayoral noted. "Because of the conversations we had and some things he told me before certain matches, I felt he valued my work. He was an approachable person." On one occasion, Mourinho told him he deserved to have played much earlier, and later spoke positively about him in a press conference—gestures Mayoral clearly treasures.
What's Next for Both Men
Mayoral is now focused on his final contract year at Getafe, where he has recorded 38 goals in 115 La Liga appearances, seeking to reclaim peak form. Meanwhile, Mourinho returns to the Bernabéu with the mission to restore Real Madrid's dominance after two trophyless seasons. His high-intensity, possession-based approach and relentless drive for victory will be tested once more at one of Europe's biggest clubs, where expectations demand nothing less than silverware.
