Jose Mourinho explains some of his Real Madrid choices against old club Roma, and hits out over the timing of the four-match Vinicius Junior ban.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
This has so far been a reunion tour for Mourinho, who already hosted Inter in the opening 2-1 victory, and now visits the club where he became a hero by winning the Conference League trophy.
He was fired in January 2024 and now returns as an opponent back on the bench of Real Madrid.
Mourinho outlines Real Madrid choices
“My intention is to avoid them pressing us too high, as they press man on man like nobody else, so we’ll see if we manage to take advantage of this situation,” Mourinho told Movistar+ in Spain.
“Otherwise, they’ll have to drop 5-10 metres back.”
Former Roma defender Dean Huijsen is benched in favour of another ex-Giallorossi man in Antonio Rudiger.
“Rudiger and Konate played very well together in the last game, they showed great leadership skills and resistance in a difficult situation, when we were down to 10 men for 30 minutes.
“That doesn’t mean Dean doesn’t have the quality to play a game like this, but it’s a special atmosphere for Roma and a tough one for us. I think Antonio’s experience can be valuable.”
Real Madrid received some bad news just over an hour before kick-off, as Vinicius Junior has been given a four-match LaLiga ban over the hair-pulling incident in the 1-0 win over Villarreal.
That means the Brazilian will be suspended for El Clasico against Barcelona, but the club has already confirmed the intention to appeal.
“Why did they announce this and make it public less than two hours before a very important match for a Spanish team?” asked Mourinho with his usual hint of sarcasm.
“You should ask the disciplinary committee why they didn’t do it this morning, or tomorrow morning. It is inevitably going to affect the player.”