India, June 26 -- New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has joked that he wants all his players to lose at the 2026 World Cup so that they come home for pre-season club duties earlier. Mourinho, appearing on the Beast Mode On Podcast with retired English striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, was asked what he was looking forward to the most at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. He replied with an amused laugh, "You want the truth? I want Real Madrid players to lose and go on holiday. Because I want the guys back in pre-season."

Mourinho is scheduled to join the team at Valdebebas on July 13 to begin Real Madrid's pre-season. That is six days before the World Cup final on July 19. Players progressing further in the competition will be granted additional re...