Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is understood to be avoiding putting pressure on Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, which explains why he has started most matches from the bench.

The winger made a historic move to join the Spanish giants for over €120 million, becoming the most expensive transfer in the club’s history.

Since the beginning of the 2026/2027 season, Diomande has yet to start an official La Liga game, often coming on in the second half, with Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, and others starting ahead of him.

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According to Spanish media outlet Diario AS, this is a strategic move by Mourinho to ensure the player does not come under intense scrutiny if handed a starting role immediately and fails to perform.

Mourinho is believed to be closely monitoring Diomande’s progress in training and intends to ease him into the starting lineup gradually, rather than rushing him because of his price tag.

It was also noted that the coach wants to avoid a repeat of Franco Mastantuono’s situation, where the Argentine attacker was thrown directly into the starting eleven and eventually flopped.

Diomande is said to be calm about the situation and is working diligently to earn his place in the squad and prove his worth.

SB/JKB

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