Eduardo Camavinga’s Real Madrid reset: how discipline and confidence helped revive his season
Eduardo Camavinga says a demanding spell at Real Madrid prompted him to rethink his habits, strengthen his mindset and work harder to earn the club’s trust. The French midfielder has described himself as a “new person” after a summer of reflection, crediting coach José Mourinho with helping him regain confidence and rediscover his level.
Camavinga shared his thoughts at a press conference before Real Madrid’s Champions League league-phase meeting with AEK Athens. Alongside discussing his relationship with Mourinho and his contribution to the recent Clasico victory, he addressed the painful memory of his dismissal against Bayern Munich and stressed that one strong performance must be followed by another.
A difficult summer became a chance to reset
Uncertainty surrounding Camavinga’s future and questions about his form made the previous months challenging. Rather than allowing that pressure to define him, he said he used the summer to assess what needed to change, both on and off the pitch.
“It was a difficult and tough period for me, but I believe that even after negative experiences, positive lessons can always be drawn,” he said. The midfielder added that he had worked hard during the break and become more disciplined as he looked to repay the confidence Real Madrid had placed in him.
That renewed focus has involved practical changes to his daily routine. Camavinga said he returned to studying and began arriving at the training ground two or three hours early to work in the gym—habits he had not previously made part of his regular schedule. He also described becoming more mature in his approach, after spending considerable time thinking about the areas where he could improve.
Such adjustments can matter particularly for a midfielder at a club where competition for places is intense. Real Madrid players are expected to contribute across several phases of the game: winning possession, moving the ball forward, supporting attacks and maintaining concentration under pressure. Consistent preparation can help a player meet those demands, especially when opportunities in the starting lineup are not guaranteed.
Camavinga praises Mourinho’s influence
Camavinga was equally complimentary about Mourinho, whom he described as both an approachable person and an accomplished coach. He said the squad learns from the manager every day, especially about the mentality required to compete at the highest level.
The midfielder’s comments suggest that their relationship has been important during his effort to rebuild confidence. A coach’s trust can influence how freely a player performs, but Camavinga’s account also points to the work he has put in himself. His message was not that a change in leadership alone solved the problem; rather, guidance from the coach has accompanied a more disciplined routine and a clearer understanding of his responsibilities.
For Real Madrid, that combination could prove valuable as the season develops. Camavinga’s versatility gives the team options in midfield, while his energy and ability to recover possession can help connect defensive work with attacking transitions. If he can sustain the consistency he is seeking, he may become an increasingly important part of the team’s plans.
Moving on from the Bayern Munich red card
The press conference also revisited one of the most painful moments of Camavinga’s recent career: Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich last season. The midfielder was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 86th minute of the second leg, which Real Madrid lost 4-3. Bayern advanced 6-4 on aggregate, with late goals from Luis Díaz and Michael Olise helping settle the tie.
Camavinga acknowledged that the incident stayed with him, but said his aim is not to seek revenge or remain trapped by a past mistake. He has had time to reflect on what happened and is focused on producing strong performances in the matches ahead. That response reflects a familiar challenge for elite footballers: learning from a high-profile error without allowing it to overshadow their future contribution.
He also played a part in Real Madrid’s recent Clasico win over Barcelona. In the match at Camp Nou on 25 October, Camavinga received a pass from Arda Güler and supplied Kylian Mbappé, whose 88th-minute goal secured a 2-1 victory. Asked whether Mbappé had made amends for the Bayern episode, Camavinga emphasised the importance of the team result and his own responsibility to keep performing.
“People will forget what I did in Barcelona, and I have to keep delivering the same performance in the coming matches,” he said. The remark underlined his determination to treat the assist as a starting point rather than a final answer to questions about his form.
AEK Athens test carries Champions League importance
Camavinga insisted Real Madrid must approach the AEK Athens fixture with seriousness. He said the club is close to securing a place in the play-off round but remains some distance from the round of 16, making every league-phase match significant. The format rewards teams that build a strong position across the campaign, so dropping points can complicate the route to the knockout stages.
Real Madrid enter the contest on a run of six consecutive victories in all competitions, including a 3-0 win over Racing Santander. That form provides encouragement, but Camavinga’s comments show the squad is not treating recent results as a guarantee of success. European matches demand control, patience and concentration, particularly when opponents are motivated to disrupt the rhythm of a more celebrated side.
The midfielder also offered condolences following the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, adding a note of compassion to a press conference otherwise focused on preparation and performance.
Prediction: Real Madrid expected to set the tempo
Real Madrid will start as favourites against AEK Athens, given their winning run, squad depth and experience in European competition. A disciplined Camavinga could be important in controlling midfield, helping the hosts recover the ball and launch attacks quickly. However, the Spanish side will need to avoid complacency and turn possession into clear chances.
The broader story is Camavinga’s effort to make a difficult period productive. His summer changes—earlier gym sessions, renewed study, greater discipline and regular communication with Mourinho—offer a practical explanation for his renewed confidence. The next test is whether he can translate that reset into sustained performances. For Real Madrid, and for a player determined to move beyond past setbacks, the AEK fixture is another opportunity to show that progress is becoming a habit.
