In the second round of La Liga, Real Madrid will host Real Sociedad. Coach Mourinho discussed important topics including referees and new players during his pre-match press conference.

Photo/Real Madrid Official Website

On the match against Real Sociedad

This is our first home match of the season, but also just one of 19 home matches. Every point matters, and our main objective is to win while also respecting a team that deserves respect. Real Sociedad has many characteristics and very good players, and they will make it difficult for us. Against Espanyol, we felt the support of the opposing fans for their team, and tomorrow we hope our fans will support us the same way. I want my team to maintain the same desire to win, attitude, resilience, fighting spirit, and composure, and I hope the fans will feel that as well.

Player Condition

Espanyol currently has a level of intensity that we don't have. Some of our players have been training for some time, and we're using them to build a basic framework. Matches can accelerate their recovery to normal condition. Players need matches, like Cucurella. We look at objective scientific data and combine it with my experience. The players' own feelings are also important.

Returning to the Bernabéu

I don't want the Bernabéu fans to welcome me in any special way; I want everyone to save their love for the team. Last season, for a certain period, that love hit rock bottom. Now we're not starting from scratch, and I'm not important. I can control my emotions and play an unusual game with a normal heart, because this game is about three points. I hope the team can feel something different from last season.

Last season, referees treated fouls against Vinicius and Yamal differently. What's your opinion on Spanish referees?

Honestly, I didn't watch Real Madrid and Barcelona matches last season, so I can't comment. I don't follow both teams every week. I can only say that Vinicius is clearly treated differently from other players, and now he's trapped in a vicious circle. Opponents feel they can do this to him, so they do. It's like children—if you don't discipline them, they become more out of control. I don't like this differential treatment. That kick (from the Espanyol player) was a foul and should have resulted in a red card.

Aside from individual cases, overall I'm still very satisfied with Spanish referees. Regarding Vinicius being kicked, I think the referee didn't see it at that moment, and the fourth official may not have wanted to. As for VAR, I can only say they're not doing their job well. But I trust Spanish referees; I've always trusted them, even in the Champions League. I don't think they were involved in the Negreira case or anything like that, though some decisions do affect match results, but such things are unavoidable.

How can Vinicius break out of this vicious circle?

It's divided into two parts: on and off the pitch. If it doesn't involve homophobia or racism, I think his reaction can be controlled and improved. Regarding fouls and penalties in the game, that's the referee's responsibility. I prefer to call them "judges" (juez) rather than "referees" (árbitro). If this happened to me, with my temperament, I'd probably get a red card (laughs). Regarding his relationship with opposing fans, I think that's something we can work on improving.

Do you seem calmer now?

This isn't a recent change, but I am more calm and better at controlling my emotions. There will always be difficult moments, but so far, I haven't seen anyone being lazy. I like that everyone works hard for Real Madrid. Maybe it's also because the players and staff here help me suppress the darker side of my personality (laughs).

Is the squad finalized?

For me, it is, but the transfer window is still open, and you never know if a player will come to you and say he wants to leave. In principle, no, but it's not impossible. In my mind, the squad is already finalized, and I haven't asked the club for anything. I'm very satisfied, and if anyone leaves, I won't mind.

How do you tactically integrate Bellingham, Vinicius, and Mbappé?

I probably won't face the most difficult problem, because the most difficult is not having top players or not being able to field high-level players because of injuries. I don't want to reveal too much information to opponents; let's talk after the match if we lose. I want all three to play; the benefits always outweigh the drawbacks, and I'm here to help.

Which position suits Valverde?

The previous coach played him as a right-back out of necessity. In my opinion, he's a midfielder. Second, his position also depends on our objectives and opponents. He can play in a fixed position or be more flexible.

Mbappé and Endrick together

We might see both on the pitch at the same time; we also used Endrick in preseason. Endrick is a different type of player. Against Espanyol, the opponent kept defending deep, and Kylian (Mbappé) tried to drop back and solve problems with individual skill. At that moment, I thought Carlos (Endrick) might be useful, and Trent's (TAA) entry also strengthened the team.

About Tchouaméni

He suffered a lot at the World Cup, which is normal. He missed two matches but played in the semifinal. He has some physical issues now, and a break wasn't enough for him to fully recover. He wants to chase the start of the league and is working hard, but we ultimately decided not to let him start the new season with an injury.

Isn't the lack of integration and the congested schedule at the beginning of the season unfair?

I think it is unfair. I should thank La Liga for their wise decision to postpone our match by a week; otherwise, it would have been a problem. The schedule is very congested now because we had good results before, so we're playing three matches a week. If a player is too tired to play, someone else will step in.

Endrick's situation

I can't give you the details, but he has a muscle issue affecting his tendon. I really like this player. He has many contacts with other clubs, but I want to keep him, so I'm not loaning him out or selling him. I'm not sure if he'll be on Ancelotti's first-team squad list (after the World Cup), but Carlo (Ancelotti) is my friend, and he'll call me directly.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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