José Mourinho, the head coach of Real Madrid, shared his reflections ahead of the highly anticipated derby against Atlético Madrid, touching on various topics ranging from the match officials to the dynamics within his squad.
Beginning cautiously, Mourinho expressed his usual reluctance to discuss referees before a game. Yet, he couldn’t help but highlight an unusual circumstance: “It’s a little strange that a week ago we already knew who the referee for tomorrow’s game would be.” This remark hinted at his unease over the timing of the announcement, adding a subtle layer of intrigue to the pre-match atmosphere.
Turning to the broader narrative surrounding Real Madrid, Mourinho addressed what he perceives as a persistent negativity aimed at his team. Without explicitly naming the critics, he remarked, “It’s getting harder and harder to hear anything positive about Real Madrid.” Despite this, he emphasized the qualities he sees in his players, praising not only their technical skill but also “the strength of a group” as a vital component of the squad’s character.
Respect Between Rivals
On the subject of Diego Simeone, the Atlético coach and his longtime adversary, Mourinho maintained a respectful tone. He acknowledged an invitation to contribute to Simeone’s documentary, which he accepted without hesitation, describing their relationship as that of “comrades in arms,” despite their rivalry on the pitch. When questioned about whether the derby or the El Clásico against Barcelona inspires him more, Mourinho was clear and unambiguous: “It makes absolutely no difference to me.”
He also steered clear of weighing in on recent controversies, such as the debate over shirts supporting Ceuta, stating firmly, “I talk about football.”
Addressing concerns about Real Madrid’s recent struggles at Atlético’s home stadium, the Metropolitano, Mourinho was candid. He admitted uncertainty about his ability to have the team perform at their absolute best on match day, saying, “I don’t know if I’ll be able to get the team to come out at 100%.” This honesty underlines the challenges the squad faces ahead of the showdown.