Real Madrid beat Inter Milan on Tuesday, but José Mourinho knows there is still plenty of room for improvement.
José Mourinho was pleased with Real Madrid’s victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League, but the Portuguese coach was also fully aware that the performance was far from perfect. Like many observers, Mourinho identified several areas that still need to be corrected and delivered two clear messages to his players after the final whistle.
The Real Madrid boss had several reasons to be cautious heading into the game. His midfield options were limited, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Federico Valverde were paired together in front of the defence for the first time. Despite those circumstances, Madrid managed to overcome a strong Inter side and secure three important points.
What Mourinho appreciated most was the attitude and commitment shown by his players.
The Portuguese manager was particularly encouraged by the pressing. Real Madrid recovered the ball 11 times inside Inter’s half, suggesting that the team’s high-pressure system is beginning to produce results. Madrid also created enough opportunities to make the match considerably more comfortable.
They generated nine big chances over the course of the game. Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, in particular, had excellent opportunities just before and shortly after half-time. With greater efficiency in front of goal, Real Madrid could easily have found themselves leading 3-0 and avoided such a stressful ending.
That was the positive side of Mourinho’s assessment.
However, the former Chelsea and Inter coach was not prepared to ignore the problems either. His biggest concern remains Real Madrid’s inability to properly control matches against top-level opposition.
Madrid finished the encounter with only 36 percent possession and once again allowed their opponents too many opportunities. Inter were regularly able to progress into dangerous areas and forced Thibaut Courtois into several important interventions.
The Belgian goalkeeper had to make six saves, once again showing his importance to the team. For Mourinho, relying so heavily on Courtois is something that cannot become a habit if Real Madrid want to compete for the Champions League title.
After the game, Mourinho perfectly summed up his feelings about the performance.
“The match was crazy, but it was the kind of craziness I don’t like,” he explained.
His message to the dressing room could hardly have been clearer.
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Real Madrid must be capable of winning difficult games, especially when circumstances are not ideal. But Mourinho also wants his players to develop the ability to slow matches down, dominate possession when necessary and prevent opponents from turning games into end-to-end battles.
The victory over Inter therefore brought satisfaction, but also an important warning.
Mourinho wants his team to keep the intensity, pressing and attacking ambition they showed against the Italian side while becoming much more composed and disciplined in possession.
The Portuguese coach will now expect a response from his players when Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday to face Rayo Vallecano.
Another victory will be expected, but this time Mourinho will also be looking for greater control.
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