Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has challenged young winger Yan Diomande to improve his finishing and decision-making in front of goal, despite expressing satisfaction with the Ivory Coast international's performances. The Portuguese coach believes the 19-year-old possesses considerable attacking potential but must develop greater composure to become a more effective player for the Spanish giants.
Mourinho made the remarks following Real Madrid's 4-1 La Liga victory over Sevilla on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu. Diomande contributed a goal and an assist during the encounter, helping Madrid secure an important league victory. However, his manager emphasised that the youngster's encouraging contributions did not eliminate the need for further development.
“I am very happy with Diomande. He has a lot to work on, and he has many things he needs to improve. He needs to work on his finishing,” Mourinho said in comments reported by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Real Madrid manager explained that Diomande regularly creates opportunities through his movement and ability to reach dangerous attacking positions. Nevertheless, Mourinho identified the player's final touch and decisions inside the opposition's defensive area as aspects requiring particular attention.
“He gets to a lot of dangerous positions, but he needs to learn to relax more and make a better decision in last touch,” the Portuguese coach added.
Diomande demonstrated his attacking qualities against Sevilla by providing the assist for Arda Güler's opening goal before scoring himself in the second half. His contribution helped Madrid establish control of the match and illustrated the ability that persuaded the club to recruit him from German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig during the summer transfer window.
The Ivory Coast international's arrival in Madrid followed his emergence as one of the promising young attacking players in European football. His pace, movement and ability to operate in wide attacking positions have provided Mourinho with additional options, although the manager has consistently maintained that the winger requires time to adapt to the demands of playing for Real Madrid.
Mourinho's latest assessment reflects that approach. Rather than questioning Diomande's talent, the manager highlighted the difference between creating promising attacking situations and consistently converting them into goals. His comments suggest that improving the accuracy of the winger's finishing and the quality of his final decisions will remain priorities in training.
The young forward had previously scored his first competitive goal for Real Madrid during the club's league victory over Villarreal on October 10. His latest strike against Sevilla therefore represented another step in his development, although Mourinho believes the player's overall effectiveness can improve further.
The manager has also previously urged patience with Diomande, acknowledging the expectations surrounding his arrival while emphasising the importance of gradual development. His position has been that the winger's potential should be assessed alongside his age and limited experience at the highest level of European football.
For Diomande, the challenge is to build on his recent attacking contributions while addressing the weaknesses identified by his manager. His ability to find space and create scoring opportunities has already attracted praise, but Mourinho wants the youngster to demonstrate greater calmness and precision when those opportunities arise.
Real Madrid will next face RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 21, before meeting Barcelona in La Liga on October 25. Those fixtures will provide further opportunities for Diomande to contribute as Madrid continue their domestic and European campaigns.
Mourinho's message remains clear: the young Ivorian has the qualities to become an important attacking player for Real Madrid, but improving his finishing and decision-making will be essential to fulfilling that potential.
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