José Mourinho: In today's world, it's best to keep your mouth shut

Fresh off their statement victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou, Real Madrid have gathered even more momentum and are eager to keep their winning streak alive. Next up for Los Blancos is a Sunday afternoon trip to face Racing Santander (17:15 CET). The team boasts five straight wins across all competitions and is in the middle of a demanding run of four consecutive away fixtures. With the fixture schedule piling up, manager José Mourinho feels Real Madrid have been dealt an unfair hand. Here is what he had to say to the media on a range of topics.

In memory of the train tragedy victims
"Before we begin, I would just like to express, on my own behalf and on behalf of everyone working at Real Madrid, our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragedy in Urda. We send them our thoughts, sympathy, and support," Mourinho began before taking questions.

How is the squad shaping up?
"We're in good shape and training well. We've prepared thoroughly for this match. Five games into their top-flight return, Racing have already played five home matches at El Sardinero—winning three and drawing two. They are playing well. The game is on a Sunday afternoon, which is something we are no longer accustomed to. It's going to be tough. Our last win will only carry real significance if we win again. Otherwise, it won't hold the same value. We have to respect Racing. They have a very clear game plan and, depending on the phase and their coach's decisions, they will come out aiming to win. They won't catch us by surprise. We know how difficult it will be."

What was your reaction to the Ballon d'Or voting?
"I had the privilege of working with Harry Kane. He is a fantastic footballer, a true professional, and a great person. Of course, I'm disappointed that my player didn't win, but in all honesty, I'm genuinely happy for Harry. He is a player and a man who deserves it... at 31 or 32, whatever age he is... he deserves that kind of joy, the crowning glory of his career.

"On the other hand, I think... Kylian is Kylian. He is unique. We award a Ballon d'Or every year, and sure, some players have won it multiple times: Messi, Cristiano, Ronaldo Nazário, Platini... There are players with more than one. But every single year, someone wins the Ballon d'Or. Yet there is only one greatest player in World Cup history. That is truly unique. And Kylian is unique.

"As for the voting itself, what left me completely stunned and open-mouthed was Jude Bellingham. Eleventh place. No comment. That's all I'll say."

Have you noticed any change in the team's day-to-day routine after El Clásico?
"No. Ever since we started, winning games and then experiencing defeats, I've always seen the same thing... Naturally, people's expressions change depending on results, but I've always seen the same unity, respect, work ethic, and emotional balance through the highs and lows.

"In that regard, we aren't a team packed with veterans boasting huge maturity from experience. On the whole, we are a young squad, but I see very mature individuals. Players who stay calm in difficult moments, and the same applies when we are on top.

"We celebrated in Barcelona, but then we got on the bus, boarded the plane, had a day off, and got back to normal training with the exact same focus and drive. When we began preparations for this match, I saw total dedication. I'm delighted with that maturity.

"As I said at the press conference in Barcelona, our goal for the season isn't just to win one match against Barcelona—it's to win the league title. That is the path we are working towards."

Have you found your ideal lineup with Valverde at right-back and Bernardo Silva in midfield? And does Diomande playing on the left wing complicate Vinícius's spot in the starting XI?
"No... I don't look at Vinícius's individual situation that way. I don't have a fixed starting eleven. Today's lineup could look completely different in two weeks' time.

"Football today isn't what it was 20 years ago. It's faster, far more intense, and the physical demands are significantly higher. Naming a starting lineup off the top of your head, the way people used to years ago, is practically impossible now. That's why establishing an undisputed first eleven is so difficult.

"As I've said, I feel the team performs better when the midfield features players with complementary skill sets. That's a tactical principle. But labeling them 'starters'—no, I don't see it like that.

"Vinícius's situation right now is straightforward: he isn't playing in La Liga, but he plays in the Champions League. And I want him involved, very much so. I want his suspension to end as soon as possible because I want him and need him.

"That doesn't mean he's guaranteed to start every game, but having him is never a problem. He is an outstanding player who gives us another top option in a very strong squad."

Regarding the controversy surrounding Mbappé and China—does it concern you how artificial intelligence is being used to manipulate people's likenesses, including your own? How do you feel about this issue?
"I'm completely calm because my club is Real Madrid and our player is Kylian Mbappé. Both Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappé demonstrated real class with their immediate response, and I feel fully aligned with the stance taken by both sides."

How is Mbappé doing? Have off-pitch events affected him?
"No. Kylian is very intelligent and mature. He has tremendous self-belief, but at the same time, he carries himself with real class.

"Look at how he handled Harry winning the Ballon d'Or... I saw nothing but pure class and respect from him. Knowing you are the best is one thing, but showing genuine respect to someone who also worked tirelessly to earn an accolade is another. He has shown nothing but dignity.

"As for the situation regarding China... those are the hazards of the modern world, where sometimes the smartest move is to keep your mouth shut, because so much of what you say or comment on can carry risks.

"Still, I saw how responsibly he handled it alongside a club that handled things with total professionalism. From our end, everything is settled. There's nothing more to add."

Do you feel Real Madrid are better balanced without Vinícius in the starting eleven?
"No, not at all. I don't see it that way. What I see is a group working together to function as a cohesive unit, where some players start and others come off the bench. Everyone adheres to the exact same tactical blueprint—our pressing triggers, block structure, build-up play...

"It's an ongoing process. Once that's established, you can swap out two or three players and the system doesn't break down. That is precisely what we're aiming for."

Would you understand if Trent considered leaving in January?
"First of all, that makes me sad. I don't like creating frustration among players; I want positive vibes. Naturally, when you build a squad with two players per position and end up fielding a third option, that's not ideal for them. But... there are priorities that outweigh those personal feelings—decisions made strictly for the good of the team.

"I felt the need to reshuffle our midfield and deployed Fede there. My focus was purely on the team, not individual grievances. Both Trent and Dumfries understood my reasoning—that it was a tactical decision made for the collective good, not a slight against them.

"Ultimately, everyone will get minutes. Starting tomorrow: Valverde won't start, and one of the other two will. Against Barcelona, circumstances called for Dumfries to play, with Trent getting a few minutes. I don't expect either of them to push for an exit.

"With a grueling season, a packed schedule, yellow card accumulations, fatigue, and the odd injury... everyone will be called upon. I really don't think it will come to anyone wanting to leave."

Over the years, do you consider yourself to have become a bolder or more defensive manager?
(Laughs) "Over the years, I think I've become more... more balanced when it comes to outside noise. Criticism doesn't affect me anymore. If people criticise me, I don't care. If they say I did this or that, or made such-and-such tactical choice in Barcelona... I genuinely don't let it get to me anymore.

"I maintain that what happened in Barcelona is entirely down to the players. And when I walk away from a game feeling I've helped them perform, I'm overjoyed.

"On the whole, I'm completely at ease. I'm neither bolder nor less bold. The supposedly 'defensive' manager from my first stint here is the same one who racked up 100 points and scored over 120 goals. I'd love nothing more than to hit those numbers again this season.

"Where I have changed is that I'm no longer as stubborn. I'm open to analyzing things, drawing conclusions from what I see, hear, and discuss... Sometimes it's not just about listening, but sensing the energy and work of the players. That's it. I'm calm, and I want my team to be calm too."

How dangerous is having such an extensive run of away fixtures right now?
"It's obviously dangerous. Every fixture carries risk, home or away. But on the road, you have to factor in the hostile atmosphere. Opponents naturally thrive when backed by their home supporters.

"Racing remain unbeaten at home. When we head to Athens, AEK play their derby against Panathinaikos tomorrow, so they will either be riding high or in crisis mode. Playing on Wednesday and returning Thursday morning... it's a compounding set of challenges we are fully aware of.

"It will be grueling, but that's where our resilience and tactical intelligence come in. There's no doubt it will be tough. In fact, playing four consecutive away games feels almost unprecedented.

"As for the schedule... we were meant to play yesterday, yet we play today. We were supposed to play Valencia on Sunday, but now it's on Saturday. That costs us two days of recovery, cramming three games into seven days. A fantastic 'gift' from La Liga or the broadcasters—who knows. But it's a card we've been dealt, and we have to manage it."