José Mourinho returned to the podium at the Ciudad Deportiva de Valdebebas to comment on the recent victory in the Clásico and the agenda that awaits him. In a speech that mixed praise for his players and criticism of the schedule, the Portuguese coach recalled that Real Madrid faces Racing Santander next Sunday, a match that, according to Mourinho, “is not usual” in the season and that requires meticulous preparation.
The coach stressed the importance of Racing's connection with its fans and the need not to underestimate the rival. “If we win again, the point will have great meaning,” he said, adding that the team “has a very ambitious style of play” and that Madrid must be alert. Mourinho also recalled the recent victory in the Clásico, calling it a “great achievement” for the group, although he noted that the team is still young and needs to mature in critical moments.
Regarding the schedule, Mourinho expressed his frustration with the load of matches facing the club. “We have to play Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday, which is a great gift that the league or the televisions give us,” he commented, highlighting the difficulty of competing with teams that do not lose at home and the pressure that playing abroad entails. The coach emphasized that the main objective remains the championship and that each match must be approached with the same concentration and motivation.
Mourinho also spoke about the internal dynamics of the team. “The players get all the credit,” he said, explaining his balanced approach and willingness to listen to criticism without being affected. He mentioned the importance of defense and the need to maintain calm within the locker room, especially after the emotional ups and downs that can arise after important games.
Finally, the coach addressed the situation of some key players. He commented on Vinicius' absence and the need for his suspension to end as soon as possible, but clarified that his return is not based solely on his performance in the Champions League. He also spoke about the incorporation of Fede into the side, explaining that the decision was made with the team's benefit in mind and that both Trent and Dumfries accepted the measure without demanding departures. Mourinho concluded that, despite the challenges presented by the calendar, Real Madrid is prepared to face each challenge with the same intensity that it has shown in recent games.