Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho talks Endrick, Dumfries and missing World Cup stars after Real Madrid 2-2 Fiorentina
Jose Mourinho took charge of Real Madrid for the first time since his return on Saturday, overseeing a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina in a pre-season friendly.
Endrick and youngster Alexis Ciria put Los Blancos two goals up inside the first half at the Worthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt, only for Roberto Piccoli and Moise Kean to level the game for the Italian side.
Speaking afterwards, Mourinho reflected on the outing and delivered his verdict on his makeshift squad.
Real Madrid with three faces
The Portuguese coach analysed his team’s performance, pointing out how the team showed ‘three faces’.
“I liked everything. It was a Madrid with three faces: fresh, tired, and super tired. The fresh team played very well, and the 2-1 scoreline was far too short.
“The first half was of very high quality, and we could have been leading three or four to nil comfortably,” he said (h/t Real Madrid website).
“In the second half, the game became more physical against a typically Italian team with great physicality.
“After that, we saw Moise Kean playing in the area against two 18-year-olds, who had a great game and are growing, but physically, they are not yet at the level to handle someone like Moise,” he added.
He was quick to praise how his side responded when fatigue set in.
“The third face, which I also liked a lot, was the super tired face, but where the team knew how to be a team, control the game, and regain dominance,” he added.
Praise for Endrick and the youngsters
Mourinho reserved special mention for those who made the effort to feature despite limited preparation, with Endrick and Denzel Dumfries catching his eye.
“Dumfries and Endrick trained for three days and played more than 70 minutes. It’s a fantastic effort that, to me, signifies a willingness to give their all,” he explained.
Mourinho was also happy with the effort put in by the academy players, including Joan Martinez and Mario Rivas.
“Joan and Mario are two kids with a fantastic future who displayed tremendous class as long as the game didn’t get too physical. I loved seeing the quality of the youngsters.”
New signing Carlos Espi, who only joined on Thursday, made his debut off the bench and nearly won it late on.
“I’m the happiest man in the world. I haven’t even been at Madrid for 72 hours, and I’ve trained, and made my debut,” Espi told reporters.
Awaiting his World Cup stars
With several key players still on an extended break following the World Cup, Mourinho admitted he is eager to get his full squad together as soon as possible, including Vinicius Jr., who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.
“I’m concerned about not having everyone, and I would like to have three weeks of work with the others. It’s not possible,” he said.
“On Monday, Vini Jr, Brahim, and Bernardo will arrive. Little by little, until the boys who played in the World Cup semifinals and final arrive, with the final being only Cucurella.”
Despite the challenges of a disjointed pre-season, Mourinho was satisfied with what he has seen so far. “I am very happy with the work of the boys from day one,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
