José Mourinho spoke to the media at the Ciudad Real Madrid ahead of his team’s opening La Liga match against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
Espanyol and the start of La Liga
“They are a good team. Teams that have had the same coach for a long time are usually well prepared, with routines and dynamics already in place. They play good football and they are ambitious. I really liked their first match. They have three points, three goals scored and none conceded. Their supporters are happy, and starting with a home win always gives you motivation.
“We are very well prepared for what we are going to face. We have studied them as much as possible, watched their pre-season matches and, obviously, their game against Levante.”
The squad and injuries
“This is the first official match of the season, but I have been living these moments for more than 20 years, so I am calm. The difficulty has been that players started at different times. Some have already completed 36 training sessions and played six matches, while others have only trained five times and played part of one game.
“But the players and the staff have been exceptional. We prepared individual programmes depending on each player’s situation.
“If you ask me whether I would have liked another week, of course. But we have had enough of friendly matches. We want competitive football now.
“Players such as Militão, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy, who have long-term injuries, will not return in one or two weeks. For Espanyol, Endrick is unavailable because of a minor muscular problem. Tchouameni is doing well and is already training with the group, but he is not yet ready for this match.”
Pressure ahead of his return
“I would not call it pressure. I would call it adrenaline, and it is positive. I want to feel it. The day I stop feeling that emotion, something will be wrong.
“I have a lot of confidence in the work we have done, in the players’ ambition and in their mentality. It is going to be a difficult game, but when we get on the plane tomorrow, we will do so believing that we can return with the three points.”
Diomandé’s strong message
Asked about Yan Diomandé saying he would “give his life” for Mourinho, the Portuguese coach replied:
“It is an expression, and we should not take it literally. I like it, but I would like it even more if he said: ‘I am ready to die for my team and for Real Madrid.’
“But when he uses my name, I think that is what he means. I see a very committed group with a great desire to do things well. The group is growing and becoming more united.”
What would make the season successful?
“There are many ways to define a successful season, but ultimately football is about results. A club can do excellent work in many areas and build a structure for the next ten years, but results are what count.
“We have four competitions—or three plus one smaller competition. But finishing a Real Madrid season without winning a trophy cannot be considered successful.”
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Real Madrid’s academy
“Tomorrow, Rivas, Cestero and Ciria will be on the bench. I like working with a squad of 20 or 21 players, maximum 22. Academy players can fill the available places.
“They will not always be the same youngsters. I want to motivate them and make them understand that the door is open. This week it is these three, but many others will get opportunities.”
What Mourinho demands from his players
“We need to become a team. There are certain things that are non-negotiable, and commitment is one of them. It cannot disappear for a single minute.
“Players also have to learn how to deal with frustration. Tomorrow, some will start and others will be on the bench. I cannot begin a match with 15 players; I can only choose eleven.
“I want the decisions to be difficult. If a player becomes frustrated and lowers his level, then my decisions become easy. I do not want easy decisions.”
Defensive work from the forwards
“We have to defend with eleven players. The specific work depends on the opponent. Sometimes attackers must press aggressively; in other situations, they simply need to close spaces.
“But the idea that some players defend while others simply wait for the ball does not exist here.”
Vinicius Jr.’s renewal
“When I arrived, my first question was whether Vinicius Jr. wanted to stay. The answer was yes, so I was completely relaxed. The rest was about numbers and negotiations with his representatives.
“I do not want to debate whether he is the best player in the world, top three or top ten. What I know is that he is certainly one of the best players in the world, and the best players must be at Real Madrid.”
Mourinho added that Vinicius is happy, confident and determined to win again.
Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham
“They are incredible players, and incredible players want to play alongside other incredible players. I want Vini, Mbappé and Bellingham to feel confident on the pitch.
“I do not believe their positions are incompatible. I have enormous confidence that we are going to have a great season with the three of them.”
Is this already Mourinho’s Real Madrid?
“Already. For better or worse, this is my team.
“It will never be a perfect team because I believe every day is an opportunity to improve. We still have a long way to go, but football and competition do not wait for anyone.”
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