Jose Mourinho has urged Bernardo Silva to improve his fitness after revealing the Real Madrid midfielder returned for pre-season in a poor physical shape. Silva made his first appearance for Los Blancos in Saturdays 2-1 friendly win over Ferencvaros after joining the Spanish giants on a free transfer following the expiry of his Manchester City contract.The Portugal international came off the bench at half-time in Budapest, but Mourinho admitted the 31-year-old is still some way short of full fitness after his summer break.Bernardo is a really important player for us, but the poor guy is another one who benefits from not doing anything when theyre on holiday, Mourinho said.It does him good during his time off to not do anything, so hes come back in a poor physical shape he has to improve.Mourinho also explained why he altered Silvas position during the second half, moving him further forward because of concerns over his physical condition.Bernardo is a tremendous player, he added.He can help us build up play if he plays deeper, as a No.6 or a No.8.But, during the game, I realised he was lacking a little physical strength, so I moved him forward to the No.10 position. He can play in three or four positions.Madrid win but work to be doneGoals from Mario Rivas and Carlos Espi secured victory for Real Madrid in Hungary, with Silva making his unofficial debut following his arrival in the Spanish capital.The midfielder was pleased to get his first minutes under his belt and believes he will be ready by the time Madrid begin their La Liga campaign against Espanyol later this month.Its only the first week, but Im very happy, Silva told Real Madrid TV.There are still many things to improve, but the most important thing is to gain rhythm to start the season well.Its been a tough first week, but I am very happy to have got going and made my debut for Madrid. Topics Bernardo Silva Jose Mourinho Real Madrid CF Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Ferencvaros 1-2 Real Madrid: Report, result and goals as Los Blancos continue winning streak in pre-season Mitch Fretton 8th August, 2026 Ferencvaros v Real Madrid: Confirmed line-ups for Mourinhos latest pre-season clash Jon Fisher 8th August, 2026 Rodri gives green light to Barcelona move in major snub for Real Madrid Jon Fisher 7th August, 2026 BREAKING: Vinicius Junior signs Real Madrid contract until 2032 Ben Miller 6th August, 2026 Yan Diomande: Real Madrid complete �107m transfer deal for Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Ben Miller 6th August, 2026 BREAKING: Vinicius Junior on verge of signing new Real Madrid contract Mitch Fretton 6th August, 2026
