Jose Mourinho is not putting a perfect starting XI together before his first competitive game in charge of Real Madrid. He is putting together the best team available.

That was the message from the Portuguese coach ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol, where he addressed everything from injuries and squad competition to Vinicius Jr.’s renewal, a possible midfield signing and the challenge of getting Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham working together.

Mourinho also made one thing very clear when asked what would define a successful first season back at the Santiago Bernabeu: Real Madrid cannot finish the campaign without silverware.

Mourinho respects Espanyol, but…

Mourinho’s Real Madrid era begins against an Espanyol side that has already made a positive start to the new La Liga season.

The Portuguese coach acknowledged that his side face a well-prepared opponent, particularly because Espanyol have enjoyed continuity under the same manager. 

“They’re a good side. Teams that have had the same manager for a long time are well-prepared, with established routines and dynamics.

“They play well and with ambition. I really enjoyed the first match, and there they are – with three points, three goals scored, none conceded, and the fans are happy. We’re ready for whatever we’re going to face.”

Mourinho admitted that Real Madrid’s preparation has been far from straightforward, with different players arriving at different stages of pre-season.

“There’s the challenge of starting with different groups. There are players who’ve had 36 training sessions and six matches, and others who’ve played a few matches and had five training sessions.

“If you ask me whether I’d like another week, yes. But we’re fed up with friendlies.

“We want proper matches. The players injured last season have been out for a long time and I don’t expect them to be back in two or three weeks.

“The only player missing from this match who wasn’t injured last season is Endrick. Tchouameni is fine.

“He has to train today, tomorrow and on Sunday to speed up his recovery. He’s arrived in a condition that doesn’t allow him to be fit for this match.”

On Diomande’s commitment 

The Real Madrid manager also addressed new signing Yan Diomande after the youngster’s strong public declaration of commitment.

“Without taking it literally, it’s an expression I like. I’d prefer him to die for the team, for Real Madrid. But I know what he means in relation to the squad and the club when he uses my name.

“Words are easy. It’s harder to put them into action. Diomande’s words are no different from what I see in everyone else.

“We’re not the perfect squad – there’s no such thing. I don’t think I won’t face problems; they’ll come. But fundamentally, the squad is strong. Diomande’s message applies to everyone.”

Mourinho was also asked about the previous issue involving Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde. Rather than reopening the matter, the manager believes it has already been resolved.

“I’ve arrived with a great deal of information. I’ve come to know many things, not just that Tchouameni–Federico situation. I’ve decided to start from scratch – obviously from a privileged position. 

“I haven’t felt the need to speak to Tchouameni. I’ve seen that things are back to normal. If you were to tell me that, without knowing about the problem, I could see how they interact, you couldn’t even imagine what happened last season. 

“They’ve told me I didn’t need to speak up, that I shouldn’t exert any influence in order to restore peace. It’s not about peace; it’s about normality, friendship and cooperation. It’s as if nothing had happened.”

Vinicius, Mbappe and Bellingham headline Mourinho’s biggest challenge

Getting the best out of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will be one of Mourinho’s most important tasks.

The Portuguese coach believes all three possess the quality to thrive together, even if finding the right tactical balance will require work.

“They’re incredible players. Top players get frustrated when they play alongside players who aren’t top-class. Tactically, it can be more difficult to get them to gel.

“Ancelotti has found the perfect Brazilian partner for Vini, Deschamps for Kylian, and Tuchel for Jude. It’s harder to find the perfect Mourinho-style fit for all three.

“They have to do it because they believe he can make it work. They’re top-class players. Their positions aren’t incompatible. We’re going to have a great season with them.”

Mourinho also welcomed Vinicius’s decision to extend his Real Madrid contract. For the manager, the most important factor was always the player’s desire to remain at the club.

“It wasn’t a surprise. When they explained it to me, my first question was, ‘Does he want to stay or not?’ 

“They told me he wants to stay, and I was relieved. I don’t want to say whether he’s among the top 10. But he’s one of the best, and the best have to be here.”

Asked about the Brazilian’s past difficulties, Mourinho insisted that his focus is on what he has seen since taking over.

“I don’t know the reason why he’s had some problems in the past. I don’t know. What I see is that he wants to win. 

“He knows what I want, without a doubt. I think he’s happy, that he’s comfortable with how we prepare for matches, and he’s wanted to win from day one. 

“Before he signed, every little conversation ended with ‘we’re going to improve, we’re going to win again, we’re going to be happy’. Always on that basis.”

Mourinho wants competition 

One of the biggest questions before the Espanyol match concerns Mourinho’s first Real Madrid starting XI. The Portuguese coach, however, was in no mood to reveal his plans.

“Mou’s first starting eleven… Let’s see who’s got the best connections. Let’s see who’s got the best inside information. The players already know who’s playing.

“I don’t have an ideal starting eleven. I want to keep the door open to competition.

“If we’re talking about top-class players – Trent, Dumfries, Cucurella, Carreras… – it’s not possible to think that one will play 50 games and another 10. It’s not possible. We’ve got a lot of quality.”

The same applies to the transfer market. While another midfielder could strengthen the squad, Mourinho does not believe Real Madrid have an urgent shortage in that area.

“I don’t think we’re short of players. A midfielder would be the icing on the cake. When you’ve got Tchouameni, Bernardo, Arda… 

“In time, he’ll be able to play in those positions. We don’t have a problem.”

Furthermore, Mourinho also confirmed that academy players will be included on the bench.

“Tomorrow, Cestero, Ciria and Rivas will be on the bench. We don’t have a particularly large squad. 

“These are players who’ve been out for a long time. I like to work with a maximum of 22 players. They’re filling these vacant spots and working very well with us.”

Lastly, he also explained why former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira was chosen to join his staff.

“At every club, I like to have someone from within the organisation. During my first spell, it was Aitor, now a world champion. I thought of players from my time at Real Madrid who fit the profile I like.

“Xabi, a top-class coach; Alvaro, a top-class coach; Modric, who’s still playing; Granero, a businessman. I narrowed it down to two or three names.

“The first time I spoke to him, I got a good feeling. He told me, ‘If I have to go tomorrow, I’ll go tomorrow.’ He understands the mindset,” he concluded.

Source: AS