Real Madrid returned to their favorite competition, the UEFA Champions League, in quite a difficult context, after suffering the demoralizing defeat to Atletico Madrid and the hard-fought, controversial win over Villarreal. The Merengues faced the Italian side AS Roma in their second League Phase game, and snatched a 3-4 comeback win in the very final moments of the game.
Jose Mourinho did not address the press after the game against Villarreal, but returned to the press room following this memorable win. As MARCA has reported, he analyzed the win against Roma and commented on some of the questions raised about his lineup and the players’ performances.
The Portuguese coach admitted that he was surprised by the hosts’ approach to the game, but ultimately, he knew how to get a result:
“I don’t entirely agree with Fede. They set up differently from any other team we have faced so far, or any of the teams we had analysed. They attacked us with three players down the right flank, so that is where we made our adjustments. Then we conceded a goal that we simply cannot afford to concede. We cannot do what we did in midfield.
After that, it was a kind of rebellion, so to speak, but an organised, emotional one. I know perfectly well how Gasperini’s teams play, and they surprised us. But there are no miracles in football; it is impossible to maintain that intensity for 90 minutes.”
The Real Madrid tactician commented on his reaction to going two goals down in the second half:
“We experienced two different games. In the first, Roma were superior in every aspect. In the final 20 minutes, it was impossible to stop Madrid. The second goal we conceded was ridiculous and unworthy of this level. We made changes thinking that it no longer mattered whether we conceded four or five goals.”
Endrick was one of the main protagonists who helped turn the game around, and Mourinho ruled out his departure:
“It is impossible for him to leave on loan. I know how much quality he has.”
The Portuguese coach further commented on the match and highlighted how important this win is:
“It was difficult. We faced an opponent who plays a different kind of football from what we are used to, but it is very difficult for them to maintain that pace, intensity and man-to-man marking for 90 minutes. They deserved to go into the break with an advantage, although I really didn’t like a couple of the goals we conceded. After that, we changed things with courage from the players.
A draw away from home against an important opponent would have been a positive result, and the victory is hugely important for us against two opponents who are… I won’t say the best, because Arsenal are still to come, but these were very difficult matches, and we are now in a very good position.”
The Real Madrid coach gave all the credit for this win to his players:
“The poor first half was my fault. The good second half was down to the players.”
Mourinho once again commented on how Roma surprised him:
“I always want to do the right thing. I believe in meritocracy. Football is a 90-minute game that involves a great deal of strategy. The opposition matters, and Roma are very strong. They are a nightmare to play against.
I knew they would run out of energy. That was the reason for the substitutions. They overwhelmed us in the first half. They surprised us with Süle. Many people hadn’t expected Cucurella to play. We reorganised ourselves, but then we conceded a goal that simply cannot be allowed.”
The Portuguese manager was quite critical of the Spanish football authorities after they revealed that Vinicius will be suspended for four games right before the start of the UCL game:
“Do you think it is normal for a player at a Spanish club to know what suspension he will receive? Couldn’t it have been announced today or tomorrow? We are getting ourselves into trouble. In Portuguese, there is a saying about a cat hiding with its tail covered. It is no longer hidden. Things are being done openly now, without shame or any attempt to cover them up.
Do you want to kill the player off beforehand? It is no longer even a question. The first half was my fault. His reaction to being substituted? It is normal. What matters is that he was happy because we won. A player tries to keep his emotions in check, just as I have had to do when playing in front of my own people.”
The Real Madrid coach also justified his lineup decisions, especially not starting Arda Guler or Bernardo Silva, despite their impact late in the game:
“If we had started the way we finished, they would have scored five against us. There are different moments in a match. I had substitutions to make. They were going to get tired, and the yellow cards were going to come.”
Mourinho also criticized the RFEF for the scheduling of the game against Valencia:
“I ask for respect. I don’t think it is fair that we have to play in Athens and then face such a tough match against Valencia on Saturday. I don’t buy the explanations given on television. It was not an innocent decision. Madrid fans are not stupid, and I am going to speak out so that people can see what is happening. The Vinícius issue does not deserve any further comment.”
The Portuguese coach was quite satisfied with his team’s position in the UCL:
“La Liga is different from the Champions League. Six points against two very tough teams, Inter and Roma. With six points, we are well placed. Last year, I had zero points after playing Benfica.”
While praising Carlos Espi, the Real Madrid coach was clear that Mbappe would remain the starter:
“He is developing, and I like him a lot. But if the question is whether I am going to drop Mbappé, the answer is no.”
In addition to giving Real Madrid a win over another difficult opponent in the UCL, this win also allows the Merengues to further build-on their win in the last La Liga game. Despite the team’s shortcomings, these wins can turn out to be important, and hopefully, Jose Mourinho will be able to bring the required improvements in his team in the coming few weeks.