José Mourinho struck a defiant tone in his pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s highly anticipated derby against Atlético Madrid. Frustrated by the criticism surrounding his team in recent weeks, the Portuguese coach strongly defended his players and the work being done behind the scenes.
Mourinho has never been known for avoiding confrontation, and he once again showed his trademark personality when speaking to reporters on Saturday, just 24 hours before Real Madrid’s clash with Atlético at the Metropolitano.
Asked about the weaknesses his side has shown following several disappointing performances, the 63-year-old admitted that Real Madrid still have plenty of room for improvement. However, he insisted that the team remains fully committed to its objectives.
“I don’t know if I will manage to get the team to give 100%, but that is my intention and it is also the intention of my players,” Mourinho explained. “We have played a lot of matches in a very short period of time, but we have managed to correct certain things. It is a process. We need to improve, but at the same time we also need results. We are working on both. We have a lot of confidence, but we also know that we have to work extremely hard.”
Mourinho responds to the criticism
The Portuguese manager was also questioned about Real Madrid’s inconsistent performance against Elche. Despite taking control of the game, Los Blancos allowed their opponents back into the contest before eventually finding the resources to secure the victory.
“It is not normal to be leading Elche 2-0 and then allow them to equalise around the 80th minute,” Mourinho admitted. “But it is also not normal to concede that equaliser and then, within a few minutes, see the team completely raise its level, create chance after chance and eventually score the winning goal.”
He also referred to the defeat against Real Betis as another example of his team’s fighting spirit.
“It is not normal to lose against Betis either, but after Espí’s incredible goal and the missed penalty, the team still had the heart and the energy to keep pushing. They continued looking for something more until the end.”
Despite acknowledging the problems that must still be solved, Mourinho made it clear that he remains proud of his squad.
🚨 José Mourinho: "Am I worried about Barca playing better football than us?
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 19, 2026
Historically, Real Madrid doesn't compare itself to anyone, to nobody at all.
So I won't compare us to any other team.
I will talk about us, about our issues, about the things we should improve, and… pic.twitter.com/PiN8w7nCKY
The strongest moment of the press conference came when he was asked about Barcelona’s impressive start to the season and whether Real Madrid should be concerned by the performances of their rivals.
Mourinho refused to enter into comparisons.
“Historically and culturally, Real Madrid cannot be compared to anyone,” he said. “For that reason, I am not going to compare us to another team. I will speak about us, our problems, the things we need to improve and the things we are doing well.”
The former Inter Milan manager then aimed a clear message at those who have been highly critical of Real Madrid since the beginning of the season.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to hear anything positive being said about Real Madrid,” Mourinho added. “But we continue to work with humility, fully aware of our problems and of what we still need to improve.”
With the Madrid derby approaching, Mourinho’s message could hardly have been clearer: Real Madrid are aware of their shortcomings, but the Portuguese coach remains convinced that his team has the character and determination required to respond on the pitch.
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