MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – José Mourinho appeared at the press conference on the eve of the match against Real Sociedad with his customary directness, but also with a sense of serenity that the Portuguese coach himself highlighted. “Ultimately, it is one of the 19 home games we will play. Every point matters, even the ones you might drop,” Mourinho explained, asking his team to maintain the same attitude they have shown so far. “I expect the same hunger to win, the same mentality, the same resilience, and the same strength. And calmness, too.” One of the main topics of the conference was the treatment Vinicius receives from opponents. Mourinho pointed out that the Brazilian needs to learn to handle provocations better, but he also called for greater protection from referees. “I want Vini to have more control over his emotions, but if he is subjected to an aggressive act three minutes later, then there has to be a sending-off,” he stated. The Portuguese coach then spoke about his own personal evolution: “For a few years now, I’ve felt calmer and have greater control over my emotions.” A change that, according to Mourinho, does not mean he has lost his personality: “However, I still struggle to handle the situations of difficulty and frustration that will inevitably arise.”
As for the transfer market, Mourinho considers the squad practically complete. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s closed, even though the market is still open. You never know what might happen,” he explained. The coach reiterated, however, that he does not want to lose any members of the current squad: “If someone were to leave, I wouldn’t be happy. I’d like to keep this group together.” Mourinho then addressed the topic of the attacking trio featuring Mbappé, Vinicius, and Bellingham, showing no concern about tactical compatibility issues: “I want all three of them together. Their qualities compensate for whatever they might lack in terms of tactical balance. That’s where I can help them.” Finally, he touched upon the physical condition of Tchouameni and Endrick. The Frenchman did not suffer a setback, but the staff decided not to rush things: “We decided he shouldn’t start the season struggling. It’s one thing to finish a season with an issue, but quite another to start one that way in August.” As for Endrick, he is dealing with minor tendonitis. “It’s a preventive measure to avoid a more serious problem,” Mourinho explained, reaffirming his confidence in the young Brazilian: “I really like him. There has been a lot of interest in him, but I don’t want to sell or loan him out. He has immense talent.”
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
