José Mourinho addressed several topics during his pre-match press conference, including Federico Valverde's role at right-back, the possibility of returning to midfield, the team's recent improvement and the challenges awaiting Real Madrid in Greece.
Asked whether Valverde would continue playing at right-back or return to midfield, Mourinho highlighted the midfielder's responsibilities as club captain.
"Being the captain of Real Madrid makes him look at things around him differently. When you are the captain, you have to be different. It is a responsibility. I believe that will make him willing to play wherever is necessary for his team and his teammates.
"That is what a captain means to me, and that is why I'm convinced that Fede playing in any position will never be a problem.
"The squad has been built to play with Valverde in midfield. We don't have many options in that area, so I'm sure Valverde will play in midfield again. Am I happy with him playing at right-back? Yes. Is the team playing better down that side? Yes. But in midfield, we have Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Bernardo and Thiago, and that's about it. That's why Fede will play at right-back because we all like him there, but he will also have to play in midfield."
Mourinho was also asked whether the match in Rome had represented a turning point for the team, particularly given the improvement in results and performances.
"From an emotional perspective, obviously, it can always leave you with something positive. But as far as being a turning point in terms of our football is concerned, I don't think so, because I believe more in the process than in any particular moment.
"We are getting to know each other better all the time. Every training session and every match gives us an opportunity to improve. We are also discovering more about one another. Every experience we go through gives us a better understanding of each other. This accumulation of work and experience is what makes teams better. I'm not someone who believes very much in turning points."
Asked whether his current squad could reach the same level as the team he coached during his first spell, Mourinho refused to make comparisons.
"I don't like making comparisons, whether between players, teams or different periods. We are talking about something that happened many, many years ago. Honestly, I don't like comparisons.
"This team undoubtedly has enormous potential. The other team had great potential too and won many trophies. This team hasn't won anything yet. We are still at the beginning of the journey. Let's see what the future holds, but I'm very happy with the squad and the players I have."
The Portuguese coach was also asked what winning the Champions League with Real Madrid would mean, having already lifted the trophy with Porto and Inter.
"It would be my third Champions League title with three different clubs. It would mean winning it with the biggest club in the world. But we are talking about hypothetical situations, and I prefer dealing with real situations.
"The reality is that we still need points to qualify. Until we have qualified, I'm not going to talk about the Round of 16. Tomorrow is a difficult match, but after this inconvenient trip between two important league matches, now that we are here, we have to win."
Mourinho also discussed the attacking options available to him, with Vinícius Junior, Kylian Mbappé and Diomande among the players mentioned.
"You're also forgetting Brahim and Endrick. We have plenty of quality players in those positions. Having lots of players is never a problem for me.
"Diomande can play on either wing, Brahim can do the same, and Endrick can play on the right but also on the left. Of all of them, Vini is the player who is most accustomed to playing on the left wing. We know that."
Asked whether Arda Güler had already reached the level of a top-class player, Mourinho offered a brief response.
"He's unavailable tomorrow. Ask me on Friday."
The Real Madrid manager then explained why he expects a difficult encounter in Greece, pointing to the opposition's quality, the atmosphere and the club's historical record in the country.
"For a number of reasons. They are the champions. We've faced a lot of champions in these eight matches. Greece is always a difficult place to play. Real Madrid, the kings of Europe, have won there only once in eight visits.
"I've played here twice, many years ago, and I know how difficult it is to play in this kind of atmosphere. They also have a very demanding Champions League schedule, and I'm sure they see their home game as their best opportunity to pick up points.
"Every opponent who sees that white shirt in front of them gets incredibly motivated. It's a match in which we have to be at our very best. If we're not at our very best, we won't win."
Mourinho was also asked to comment on the passing of Jesús de Miguel and the impact of the incident on everyone involved, including the other player, Owono.
"These are words shared by all of us. It is something extremely shocking for people like us, who are out on the pitch every day and involved in competition. It is tough. It is sad. All our thoughts and feelings go out to Jesús's family and friends.
"It must also be an extremely difficult moment for the other player involved in the incident. It is sad for everyone."
Finally, when asked how much longer he needed to bring the team to perfection, Mourinho delivered a characteristically direct answer.
"Three years. Three seasons."