Mourinho: Barcelona? No One Can Compare to Real Madrid

With six wins from seven matches to start the season, Real Madrid has built confidence and now faces its toughest test yet: a derby against Atlético Madrid. The La Liga Matchday 7 clash is scheduled for Sunday at 5:15 PM, taking place at the Rojiblancos' home ground. Here’s what “Los Blancos” coach José Mourinho had to say on various topics during his press conference:

What does this derby mean to you?
There’s always something more to a clash like this. Derbies are about history, culture, the passion of the fans, the players, the coaches… Some understand what that means quickly. But ultimately, it’s a battle for three points.

Are you concerned by Real’s recent poor results at the Metropolitano?
I don’t know if I’ll be able to get the team to perform at 100 percent, but that’s my intention, as well as my players’ intention. However, I can’t guarantee it. We’ve played many matches in a row, but we’ve managed to correct some things – it’s a process. If there are clubs that train three, four, or five days straight… if there’s constant talk of development, imagine us, who have already played seven or eight official matches in just a few months. We need to improve. But we also need to achieve results. And we’re working on that. We have a lot of confidence, but we also know we need to work hard.

What did you mean the other day about the penalties?
It’s too late now. Because after that round, we had another one. And in that other round, there were more questions you could have asked me. For example, a very clear and obvious one: what do I think about Elche finishing with 11 players. But if we go down that road… we’ll be here until tomorrow, and I prefer to say that even though it’s a bit strange that we already knew who the referee for tomorrow’s match would be a week ago, I prefer to say that since they appointed him, he must have the qualities. He has enough experience for a match with such emotional intensity. I don’t like to talk about referees before the game. We’ll see afterwards. But before it… he has my full trust.

Is this a special match for Vinicius?
It is for everyone. I don’t know… maybe those who have been at Real Madrid longer and have experienced that negative historical period feel something more. But I don’t think so. I believe we are united, aware of the difficulty of the match and what I said before: it’s part of the city’s culture. But the match is equally important for everyone.

Does Barcelona’s level concern you?
Historically and culturally, no one can compare to Real Madrid. And that’s why I won’t compare myself to anyone. I speak about us, and I do so without a problem – about our issues, about the things we need to improve. Although it’s becoming increasingly difficult to hear anything positive about Real Madrid. But we continue our work with humility. We have no problem being aware of our problems. But we also know about the many good things we have in the team. In the three matches where we reached the final minutes and had to score to win or draw, we finished with immense physical and psychological strength, with dedication and determination… It can be clearly stated: it’s not normal to lead 2-0 against Elche and concede an equalizer in the 80th minute. But it’s also not normal to concede an equalizer in the 80th minute, and just a few minutes later, the team transforms, creates one chance, a second, a third… scores and wins. Just as it’s not normal to be losing to Betis and have the heart and character to believe that if we score Espi’s incredible goal… And we miss the penalty… and yet we still have the strength for more. This team, besides quality, has immense strength. That’s the strength of a group. And that gives me confidence. This is a marathon, not a highway.

How do you rate Atlético’s squad?
I don’t want to compare them. Don’t make me compare Oblak or Courtois. What I’m saying is: a strong squad, with many options, a great coach, a man who chooses players he likes, who are his image, his DNA. Many years of work. This is a team I observe and I believe they will be there at the end, fighting for the title.

How has your idea of a high or low block changed?
One thing is your ideal preference, and another is what you can achieve with the players you have. I believe one of my qualities as a coach is that I’ve always tried to adapt to the potential of my players. My Inter could spend 90 minutes in a low block and constantly feel comfortable. Or three days. They wouldn’t score against us even if they killed us. These are different profiles. I like us to know how to defend in a low block because it’s difficult not to go through such moments. And when they arise – whether for two or 20 minutes – you need to know how to handle them. And that’s one of the things we’re working on to improve. We need to know that we will experience such moments.

At this stage of your career, does playing a derby or an El Clásico motivate you more?
Every day motivates me. I understand you say it with respect, but when you say “at this stage of my career,” from day one until now, it’s always been the same. It’s not that years change my way of thinking. The next match against Villarreal, El Clásico, or a derby motivates me equally. In terms of motivation, there’s no difference for me. As I said before, El Clásico, derbies… they are culture. They are part of history. And that’s why they have something more. But when we talk about motivation… ah… motivation is every day.

Which derby has impressed you the most in the world?
It’s hard to say, because when you wear a club’s jersey, you start to feel like a fan. There’s no derby where you walk down the street and someone doesn’t tell you: “We’re going to crush Juve…” or whoever. Or you isolate yourself and have no contact with the outside world. What surprised me the most, due to its unexpected nature, is Milan – Inter, because I thought there was… not much, but at least a little hatred, and I was surprised that they are friends and have good relationships. The hatred is a bit further north. I’ve seen a woman and a man on the street with their jerseys, different from each other. Or a father and son. In Portugal, that’s impossible… And let’s not even talk about Turkey!

What do you think of Simeone? Years ago, you said one shouldn’t judge a coach who hasn’t won the Champions League…
In a career, so much nonsense is said… that if you look back, there isn’t one of us who hasn’t said nonsense. Or things influenced by the moment… or said strategically. I was invited to speak in the documentary about Simeone and I didn’t hesitate for a minute. We are rivals, but we are comrades in arms.

Do you like this format of the upcoming long break?
Who likes it? But what can we do? Four players will stay for 20 days. Four players. Then they will return… some three days before the match against Villarreal… or two… The Brazilians are coming from India, as is Valverde. The Europeans have four tough matches. And very tough ones. In my case, it’s difficult because then clashes with Villarreal and Roma come one after another. But that means we have good players.