Jose Mourinho has discussed several major Real Madrid talking points ahead of the club’s clash against Sevilla, offering updates on Vinicius Jr.’s suspension, Endrick’s place in the squad, Arda Guler’s development and the possibility of January signings.
The Real Madrid manager also addressed Javier Tebas’s recent comments, Federico Valverde’s midfield role and the challenge of managing a squad in which several players deserve to start.
While Mourinho acknowledged some fatigue following recent matches, he insisted that his team would be ready to face Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“[The team is] Tired, but they won’t be tired tomorrow. Today, I think – and from what I’ve seen in the medical department – they’re a bit tired, but we’ll be fine tomorrow.
“We also have some very good options should we decide to make changes and bring some freshness to the team.
“Sevilla are a great side; they always put up a fight away from home. Luis García is doing a great job. It’ll be a very difficult match, but we want to win.”
Mourinho defends Vinicius after difficult Roma performance
Vinicius was among the biggest talking points at the press conference after his difficult outing against AS Roma and the subsequent four-match suspension.
Mourinho has defended Vinicius Jr. after a difficult match against Roma. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Mourinho identified Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical approach as a major reason for the Brazilian’s struggles, although he also acknowledged that the forward could have handled the situation differently.
“Vinicius had a very difficult match. For me, the main reason for Vinicius’s difficult match was Gasperini, because he kept attacking down his wing. It was very difficult for me as a manager to make substitutions.
“In the second half, Roma changed their approach, and what annoyed me was the nature of the second goal when the match was evenly balanced, with no problems for us.
“He shouldn’t have done what he did, but that’s it. It’s no big deal. I made five substitutions, not just one.
“Vinicius has to work harder, and without promising anything, because I don’t like to promise, I think he’ll start on Wednesday.
“As for the four-match ban, I’m happy because they were going to give him more. I thought there’d be a few hidden tricks that would cost us another one or two.”
Mourinho also offered a strong defence of Vinicius’s character, revealing that they speak privately every day.
The manager praised the forward’s resilience and loyalty to Real Madrid, suggesting that he might have made a different decision had he faced the same circumstances.
“He’s a brilliant lad and it’s easy to get on well with him. I spend a few minutes on my own with him every day.
“I hold him in very high regard because he always manages to get on with life and carry on with a smile. If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn’t be here.
“He would have forced a move to a country where he’s respected, but out of loyalty to Real Madrid and love for the club, he stayed.
“He believes things can get better and he keeps that smile. There’s nothing and no one who can take it away from him.”
Asked whether he offered Vinicius additional advice, Mourinho declined to disclose the details of their private conversations.
He nevertheless reiterated the Brazilian’s commitment to the club and his importance within the dressing room.
“Those are private conversations. When he renewed his contract, he made it clear that Madrid is his home and that he’s keen to keep making history and winning trophies.
“He gets on well with everyone in the dressing room; he’s a ray of sunshine. I very much doubt I’d have had the strength of character to stay here, given all the offers he had.”
Endrick and Arda Guler face competition for places
Mourinho also addressed Endrick’s strong impact against Roma, but stopped short of guaranteeing the young forward a starting position against Sevilla.
Mourinho has praised Arda Guler. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The manager explained that several players had made compelling cases for inclusion, making team selection particularly difficult.
“You’re all over them when things go wrong. Credit is due to the lad who absolutely smashed it. The three goals from corners – and the way those corners were won.
“There are more than eleven who deserve to play – there are 15 or 16. Lunin deserves to play, and I’m not joking.
“I can’t put both of them in the team. It’s the same story with the outfield players. We’ll all agree that the five players who came on and turned the match around deserve to play tomorrow, but what about the others?
“It just goes to show that this is a difficult part of a manager’s job.”
Arda Guler’s versatility was another subject, with Mourinho defending the midfielder’s work ethic and explaining why he believes the young player still has considerable room to develop.
“He works hard. It seems to me that you find it very difficult to give credit for hard work. It’s as if the negative aspects are always attributed to someone, whilst the positive ones are simply down to luck.
“Arda is a very talented player; fortunately, he’s not yet a finished product. He’s a player who has the ability to play in different positions. I’m very pleased.”
Mourinho rules out requesting January signings
Despite questions about Real Madrid’s potential winter transfer plans, Mourinho insisted that he was satisfied with his current squad.
He also confirmed that Eder Militao would be included in the squad for the Sevilla match.
“[Eder] Militao will be in the squad tomorrow. The simple fact is that I don’t need to call up anyone. I don’t ask for signings; I’m happy.
“The lads are improving, especially if we have time and peace of mind. I need to develop them; I’m not the type to ask for players. I like a small squad.
“For someone to come in, someone would have to go out. If the board considers something, we’ll assess it, but I don’t take the initiative to ask for players. I don’t want any players.”
Mourinho confirms Eder Militao will be in the squad for Sevilla clash. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website)
Mourinho also explained his approach to tactical decisions involving Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, stressing that he listens to his coaching staff but makes final decisions based on his own analysis.
“A stubborn manager is a limited manager. Just as a manager who is open to opinions isn’t a good manager. I’m open to the opinions of my coaching staff.
“I can change my mind, but I can only do so based on my own analysis, not on what people outside the team think.
“I can take different approaches (referring to the Tchouameni–Valverde situation). A match has many moments and many nuances. The five substitutions, for strong squads, are a key factor.”
Mourinho refuses to escalate Javier Tebas dispute
The Real Madrid manager was also asked about La Liga president Javier Tebas and his recent comments concerning the club.
Mourinho refused to expand on the issue, suggesting that the matter should not become a public dispute.
“I don’t want to talk about this; there are limits, and then there are limits. Excuses are only valid if it’s a medical condition; otherwise, there are no excuses. I don’t want to go down that road.
“Real Madrid fans understand what they’re up against. Given the prestige the league enjoys abroad, and the fact that we’re the current world champions, it’s best if we keep this here and don’t let it get out,” he concluded.
Source: AS