It was José Mourinho’s first Champions League match with Real Madrid in 13 years, making the occasion a special one for the Portuguese coach. It was even more significant because he was facing one of his former clubs, Inter. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mourinho made it clear how pleased he was with the victory and with securing the first three points of the group stage.
Mourinho said that Vinicius is working hard to get back to the level where he can decide matches for Real Madrid.
“He is working very hard to become the Vinicius who decides matches. He is working harder than ever and I think he will return to his level. It is not easy, but he showed a very good commitment in the match. The time will come when he decides matches.”
Reflecting on the game itself, Mourinho described it as a chaotic encounter that could easily have ended with six goals for each side.
“The match could have ended 6-6. It was a crazy game. It’s a kind of madness that I don’t like. I prefer to score five, six or seven goals while having absolute control and not needing an extraordinary performance from the goalkeeper — especially when the person who chose the MVP of the match clearly wasn’t watching the television.”
Mourinho was also asked about the whistles from the Bernabéu crowd. He refused to criticize the supporters, while reiterating that he would have preferred to see his team exercise greater control over the match.
“I’m not going to comment on the fans’ opinion. It was a crazy game that could have ended 6-6, and I don’t like that because I want to control matches better. I appreciate Trent’s effort in playing in midfield. People have this level of expectation, and you journalists like asking this kind of question, but I’m not angry with anyone.”
Finally, Mourinho praised Inter and described them as the best team in Italy, while suggesting that Roma could be the only side capable of challenging them.
“They are the best team in Italy. I only see Roma as having the legs to do something, but Inter are an extraordinary team. They have played in Champions League finals, they have the ambition to win, they have an extraordinary squad, and they made things very difficult for us.”
