José Mourinho has decided to put aside last Saturday's refereeing controversy to focus on the next Champions League match against Roma. At the press conference announcing his return to the Italian capital, the Portuguese coach asked fans to only focus on the first minute of the league match against Villarreal, pointing out that that fragment was already enough for those who know the game. “I have nothing to comment” was his initial response when asked about the controversy that arose after his team's victory over Villarreal, where Mourinho refused to attend the match and expressed his protest against the referee for the expulsion of Vinícius after an action that the VAR annulled.
When asked about his trust in the Champions League referees, Mourinho stated that he trusts “everyone.” He added that the only thing that bothers him is knowing the name of the referee in advance, something that, according to him, should be clear a few weeks before the game. "The only thing that makes me snort is when the name of the referee is known, even if it has to be 24 hours before, about three weeks before. It's the only thing that bothers me. Apart from this I have confidence and I hope everything goes well," he explained. In response to the Spanish press, the coach showed his dissatisfaction with the media coverage in his country, describing it as not very direct, and suggested that the Italian press would be more interested in the match itself.
The coach, who returns to the Olympic team after being fired from Roma at the beginning of 2024, recalled that both Inter and Roma themselves are the strongest teams in Italy. "In the first we were able to get three points with three suspended players and now it's Rome's turn. Strong team, motivated to play 'Champions' at the Olympic Stadium again, with a public that plays," he stated, underlining the importance of the fans who know the stadium well. Mourinho also made reference to his stay at the “Loba” between 2021 and 2024, highlighting that he has always put the interests of the club, the players and the fans above his own, something that, according to him, people value and appreciate.
As for the match, Real Madrid arrives at the Olympic Stadium with the intention of adding its second victory in the Champions League, after having won 2‑1 against Inter Milan. The white team is also looking to improve its feelings in Europe after having suffered two defeats in LaLiga, against Betis and Atlético de Madrid. Among the confirmed absences are Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo due to injury, Ferland Mendy for not being registered in the competition and Éder Militao, ruled out by the coach for the match. Hoping that football and the Roman fans will unite, Mourinho concluded that the match will be one more and that, if he manages to forget the rival and concentrate on the game, it will be one more victory in the club's history.