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What's the last thing any manager wants when things are going well? That's right: an international break.
Real Madrid have won all eight matches since the previous break, with José Mourinho's side putting their early-season struggles firmly behind them to close the gap on Barcelona at the summit of La Liga and spark a genuine title race.
Valencia were Los Blancos's most recent victims on Saturday, with Federico Valverde, Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé dismantling Los Che in a comfortable, if ill-tempered, victory at the Mestalla.
Real Madrid have done nothing but win since that Madrid derby loss back in September, filling the stretch between international breaks with productive victories. But with another enforced hiatus now here and Madrid's next fixture not until Saturday, Nov. 21, Mourinho is concerned about potential injuries that could be picked up by fatigued players while away on international duty.
Mourinho Worries Over International Injuries
Speaking after the victory over Valencia, the manager indicated that — not unlike many supporters — he is not looking forward to the international break, voicing concerns about his players' fitness and recovery while outside his supervision.
"I'm telling you now that I'm worried about the international break because, if they stay with me and my staff, we could give them very special attention when it comes to their recovery, but they'll be with their national teams," he said.
"I've never managed a national team, but I can imagine that their coaches want to work, and these players can't work now; they need to rest so they can play later with their national teams. These players need a lot of attention during their recovery process."
Mourinho then made clear he would not put pressure on national team coaches, but strongly implied that he wants his stars' minutes managed carefully over the coming two weeks.
"I'm not going to say anything because I don't know if I'll ever be a national team coach, but I have a feeling that if I do, I'll be a real nuisance to the clubs," he continued. "I'll be thinking about myself and my team. That's the feeling. That's why I don't feel like calling anyone, not even my friend Carlo [Ancelotti].
"In Carlo's case, look closely at who's with him: Vinícius, who should be playing; Endrick, and if Carlo plays him, I'm grateful. It's not Carlo's side that worries me about the situation, but I don't think they [national team managers] enjoy seeing a player get injured from overexertion either.
"They owe it to the players to be professional when it comes to their recovery. Let's hope we have some luck."
Real Madrid Players on International Duty
In total, 18 members of Real Madrid's first team will depart for international duty this month, 16 with senior squads, while Carlos Espí and Thiago Pitarch will link up with the Spain Under-21 side.
Every Real Madrid Player on International Duty in November
• Vinícius Jr, Endrick (Brazil)
• Yan Diomande (Côte d'Ivoire)
• Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham (England)
• Kylian Mbappé, Ibrahima Konaté, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga (France)
• Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
• Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands)
• Bernardo Silva (Portugal)
• Marc Cucurella, Dean Huijsen (Spain
• Carlos Espí, Thiago Pitarch (Spain U-21)
• Arda Güler (Türkiye)
• Federico Valverde (Uruguay)
Among the standout fixtures ahead, Mbappé's France take on Italy on Thursday, Nov. 12, as their UEFA Nations League campaign rolls on.
Brazil revisit their World Cup Round of 32 encounter in a friendly against Japan on Saturday, Nov. 14, while club teammates Cucurella, Huijsen, Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham will have the chance to face each other as Spain host England at the Metropolitano on Sunday, Nov. 15.