The Portuguese coach José Mourinho, after the 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League, once again commented on the controversial sanction imposed on Mario Calderón and the situation of the Brazilian player Vinicius. In an interview with the *Madrid* newspaper, Mourinho highlighted that the team's comeback was the result of the euphoria of the goals and an “organized rebellion” that, according to him, was based on the tactics of the match.
Mourinho explained that the initial defeat was due to the coach's own lack of discipline, while the second half was the result of the players' response. “I never want to do something wrong and I always think about meritocracy, but football is a 90-minute game and it is strategic,” he said. He pointed out that the opposing team, “a terrible team to play against,” had exhausted Real Madrid's energy and that the changes made were necessary, although he acknowledged that “in the first half they crushed us.”
Regarding Vinicius' sanction, Mourinho was critical of the way the information was disseminated. “Is it normal for a player on a Spanish team to find out that he is missing four games before arriving at the game?” he asked. He compared the situation to a phrase in Portuguese that describes a “hidden cat with its tail sticking out,” suggesting that the information was no longer hidden and that things were being done without shame. The coach also pointed out that Vinicius's mistake, who lost a ball on the left wing, was the team's own error and not a decision by Gasperini.
Mourinho did not stop expressing his frustration with the organization of the league. He criticized the match schedule, mentioning the fact that Real Madrid would have to play in Athens on Wednesday and then in Valencia on Saturday, which he considered “unbelievable.” He stated that he would not accept the league's apologies and that, with 25 years of experience, he would continue trying to “open the eyes of Real Madrid fans” and improve the club's situation.
The coach concluded that Vinicius' sanction and the management of the league are issues that must be reviewed, while Real Madrid continues to seek to consolidate itself in the Champions League with a tactical and disciplined approach that, according to Mourinho, is essential to overcome Gasperini's teams.