In this round of the league, Real Madrid visit Real Betis, and manager Mourinho expressed his dissatisfaction with Asensio's off-field conduct during the pre-match press conference.

Photo/Official Real Madrid Website

What Kind of Real Madrid Do You Want to See Tomorrow?

We need to perform well, otherwise we cannot win. Real Betis is a good team, and their recent home record against Real Madrid… It's difficult to win there, so we must do our best, there's no other way.

What Do You Think About Messi's Retirement from the Argentine National Team? Do You Have Any Anecdotes About Him?

It's difficult to talk about Messi (laughs). There isn't much to say, no words can describe his level as a player. He participated in this World Cup at 37, 38 years old, and his performance was obvious to everyone. He is the type of player you will always miss. To enjoy his final moments on the pitch, after that you can only watch MLS games, and I don't really like that. I said in an earlier press conference, there are players you will always miss, and he is one of those players of our generation.

What Role Will Academy Players Play Under Your Guidance?

Many of them have trained with me, but we also closely monitor those who haven't made it to the first team. Real Madrid's youth academy work has been excellent in recent years, as shown by the promotion of many academy players to the first team, like Endrick. Although Real Madrid received millions of euros in transfer fees, these were not real sales, as Real Madrid can recall these players at any time. Throughout the season, with suspensions, injuries, and other issues, they will get opportunities. I get to know them better all the time, and we are in daily contact with Manu and La Fábrica. Although I won't promote everyone, they can aspire to join the first team.

What Do You Think About Sergio Martinez? What Are Your Plans for Him?

He will be on the bench tomorrow, so you can probably guess what my plan is. He has only trained with the first team for a few days, but the club signed him knowing he might not come straight into the first team. We analyzed him, and he is clearly a young man with potential. He has already had some appearances in the Segunda División and La Liga. He has potential and needs to work hard. The intensity here is completely different from elsewhere, but he has arrived. Tomorrow he, Rivas, and Casteio will be in the squad, and then we will see if we want to give him playing time, but he has taken the first step.

Have You Ever Experienced a Situation Like Álvarez's?

This situation… Among the people I know, no one knows more than Simeone, so I don't think I have anything to say. I usually say that even if a player is unhappy, you must adjust your mentality by September 1st or you don't play. My feeling is that he will be an important player for his club from yesterday until at least the end of this season.

What Is Your Position on the News That Asensio Was Punished for Drink-Driving?

Related Reading: [Marca: Asensio Fined €14,400 and Banned from Driving for 8 Months for Drink-Driving, Faces Further Trial]

When I first arrived here, I spoke with him about some past incidents, but then I stopped bringing it up. I don't inquire about what happens outside the training ground, because on the training ground he is a true professional. When he's fit, he trains harder and better than anyone else. Now he's injured, and he's still the first to arrive and the last to leave, very committed. But as a Real Madrid player, you represent Real Madrid's image 24 hours a day, and what you do outside can damage your own reputation and the club's. I'm not satisfied with this matter, but it's okay, we all make mistakes, but if we repeatedly make mistakes, that's another story.

Will You Consider Rotating the Midfield to Save Energy for the Champions League?

We'll talk about that after the match, but until then please let me stay optimistic and happy. Our focus is on the match against Real Betis, don't forget that.

What Are Asensio's Prospects Under Your Leadership?

The club has launched an investigation into him, and as a manager, until the investigation is completed, I still consider him a Real Madrid player. The coming weeks will be the same. The club's involvement keeps me out of difficulties, and he is still a Real Madrid player.

What Happened With Ceballos? Was the Departure His Decision or the Club's?

We spoke for three minutes on the phone, and I told him he was not in my plans. Although many players hold onto their contracts, he understood his situation and said he preferred to be a free agent to determine his own future.

What Do You Think About La Liga? Will Many Points Be Needed to Win the Title? Is It Still a Title Race Between Real Madrid and Barcelona This Season?

I think Atlético Madrid will also be in the title race. Even if they don't publicly state their intention to win the title, they will feel capable of doing so. Their transfer activity shows that internally they are very stable—they've kept their manager and their playing style and training methods haven't changed. The strength that this stability brings is much greater than frequent manager or playing style changes. In my opinion, they are also strong title contenders.

Secondly, other teams in the Champions League zone, like Real Betis and Real Sociedad, are also very strong. Tomorrow we will see how strong Real Betis is. Also, teams from the Basque Country are particularly difficult to handle. I think La Liga is not easy. You are constantly under pressure and must always win. In France or Germany, the title contenders know they can always become champions, but not here, and this pressure in itself carries enormous risks.

Do You Have Anything to Say About Pellegrini? What Memories Do You Have of Those Years in La Liga?

I never dwell on the past because we cannot go back. But in the past I obviously said some things that made me feel like a fool later when I realized I was wrong. So I won't blame anyone, but I said some stupid things to him, and if he heard them, he would definitely laugh out loud. I have settled my debt, because the title he won at Manchester City was given to him by me. If Liverpool had drawn against Chelsea in their remaining two league matches, the title would have been Liverpool's. My debt is settled.

Later he did something very gracious. It was in a friendly match between Real Betis and Roma, and because the referee favored Betis so much, we were reduced to only 7 players on the field. He told his players: "Let's not overdo it, stop." The score was probably 3:1 at the time, and they could have scored eight goals against us. He is a great manager and a role model for people, and I like him very much. Tomorrow I will embrace him before and after the match, and we will face each other on the pitch.

Have You Spoken With Previous Managers About This Team?

I haven't spoken with Alonso, but I have spoken with Arbeloa, though I didn't get this information from him. It's not easy for a former manager to talk about his previous situation.

What Is Your Impression of Modrić?

We absolutely wanted to sign him back then, but the negotiations with Levy, Tottenham's chairman at the time, were almost impossible. But during the pre-season tour in the USA, we were always waiting for news of his transfer, and the negotiations went back and forth, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't… Real Madrid almost gave up, but the player himself wanted to come because he could play as a number 6, 8, or 10—he was the ideal candidate. You (the media) criticized me heavily during those months (laughs), but later his performances silenced everyone.

Übersetzt von KI.

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