Mourinho fires several barbs and an ode to derbies

José Mourinho places the derby within the routine of the three points at stake each week. But in the press conference before the derby he referred several times to the cultural content these matches have. He has experienced them in Lisbon, Porto, London, Milan, Manchester, Istanbul and now he is reunited with the one Madrid .

So much reference to the cultural side of derbies led to asking him which of them he prefers. "It’s hard to say, because when you wear a club’s shirt, you start to feel like a supporter. There isn’t a derby where, walking down the street the week before, someone doesn’t say to you ‘we’re going to kill Juve...’, or whoever it may be. Either you isolate yourself and have no contact with the outside world. The one that has surprised me most because of how unexpected it was is Milan-Inter, because I thought there was a lot of no, but a bit of hatred and I was surprised that they are friends, they have a good relationship. The hatred is a little farther north. I would see a lady and a gentleman wearing their shirts, different ones, walking down the street. Or a father and a child. In Portugal that’s impossible... And in Turkey, don’t get me started!".

'In a low-key press conference, the Madrid coach did fire darts. In several directions. "Historically and culturally, Real Madrid cannot be comparing itself with anyone. And for this reason I am not going to compare myself with anyone. I speak about us and I do so without any problem, about problems and virtues. Despite the fact that it is becoming increasingly difficult to hear anything positive about Real Madrid. But we continue our work with humility. Without any problem being aware of our problems. But also aware of the very good things that we also have in the team".'

A message loaded with meaning: "In the three matches in which we reached the final minutes needing to score to win or draw, we ended up with physical, psychological strength and commitment and determination... it can be said clearly: it is not normal to be 0-2 up against Elche and have them equalize in the 80th minute. But it is also not normal for them to equalize and, within a few minutes, for the team to change, create one, another, another... and score and win. The same happened with Betis. This team has, in addition to quality, a strength with very great meaning. Which is the strength of a group. And this gives me confidence. This is a marathon, not a highway."

'When the derby was discussed, Mourinho did not hesitate to place Atlético de Madrid as a title contender. And when Simeone appeared, he chose the word respect: "Throughout our careers we say so many foolish things that if you go back, not one of us is safe. Or things influenced by the moment... or strategically. I was asked to speak in the Simeone documentary and I did not hesitate for a single minute. He knows what I think of him. First and foremost is respect. We are rivals, but comrades in war."'

Ceuta and the disconnections

'The matter of the support T-shirts for Ceuta, Mourinho was limited to a "I only talk about football." And another guaranteed question was about the lapses that Madrid suffers with worrying regularity. "I don't know if I'll manage to get the team out at 100%, but it is my intention and that of my players. But I don't know if I'll achieve it. We have had many matches in a row, but we have managed to correct some things, it is a process. If there are clubs that train for three, four or five days in a row... if there is always talk of progress, imagine us, who in these few months have already played seven or eight official matches. We have to improve. But also get results. And we are working. We have a lot of confidence, but we also know that we must work."'

And to finish, a refereeing reflection: "What about the penalties last week? It’s already too late. A matchday has gone by. We could talk about why Elche finished with eleven. But if we get into that... It’s a bit strange that a week ago we already knew tomorrow’s referee. I prefer to say that if he has been appointed, it is because he has quality. Enough experience for a match of this emotional dimension. I don’t like talking about referees before the match. Afterwards we’ll see. But beforehand, he has all my confidence".