Mourinho: Problems and defeats will come, and we achieved three points

José Mourinho, the manager of Real Madrid, expressed his happiness at the big win his team achieved against Málaga with a score of 4-0, in the third round of La Liga, confirming that the team showed a strong performance in the first half before the pace of the match slowed in the second half.

José Mourinho said after the match: "The first half was very strong, from a team that did not want to waste time and came to settle the match. The second half relied more on managing the game and at a slower pace. Málaga wanted to play more calmly and keep possession of the ball, but every time we accelerated, we created danger. Three important points. The goal was to defend well and keep a clean sheet. We cannot attack strongly throughout the match, and sometimes we must know how to defend and maintain our balance. I had a feeling that we could score one or two more goals in the second half, but keeping a clean sheet was also a goal for us. We cannot always attack with the same strength, and sometimes the opponent comes out with the ball, and we must know how to balance and defend well. Today we did that and earned three important points."

Speaking about Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid's coach said: "I don't want to compare him to last season because I don't know the dynamics that were present then. What I found is that we talk a lot, because I like a centre-back to have quality in dealing with the ball and to be able to pass the ball between the lines, but for me the most important thing is strength and toughness, winning duels and giving the team confidence. He has developed a lot in a short period. I think he made one mistake with a pass inside, but after that he did everything well. This is the version I want, I like centre-backs who defend well, and if they are also good with the ball, that's ideal, but the priority is defending, and in this aspect, I saw a good version of him. His teammate next to him also helps him."

José Mourinho praised Jude Bellingham's performance, saying: "He is a player who demands a lot from himself and from others, and I like that a lot. I agreed with him that I don't want him to turn into a second left-back when defending, and I have seen him do that a lot. We exploited those spaces well against Málaga, we organized the team differently, and he knows now what he has to do and feels comfortable. I am very happy with everyone, but it is true that we lost some organization in the last minutes when we were leading 3-0; some stay focused, while others feel a bit relaxed, and that was our collective feeling. But that organization is what allows us to regain the ball in advanced areas without needing to drop back. It is normal not to have the energy or mentality to do that for a full 90 minutes."

José Mourinho also praised several players from the team, saying: "Today, a player who doesn't get much love had a great match, and that is Camavinga. Also Valverde and Bernardo, we have many committed players. Now we have a tough match against Real Betis in Seville, which is very difficult. Very good players want to play together, with players who have the same quality of thinking and speed of decision-making. These must always be compatible."

He added: "It was often said that Mourinho does not want this player or that one, but I always want the best players. If there is a sense of empathy and teamwork, I see no problem. I see that they are good players; managing all the players is a difficult task and not just for one month, but for the entire season. The frustration of a player who does not participate depends more on the players than on me. I can send signals that I trust everyone, but they have to manage this themselves."

Discussing Real Madrid's ability to maintain their defensive solidity throughout the season, Dean Huijsen stated: "The problem will come, and defeat will come. I didn't lose a single match with SL Benfica last season, and we finished the season in third place. I would now sign for losing some matches in exchange for winning titles; the negative period will come, the lower quality phase will come, and so will the injuries. Criticism from the press and negative reactions from the fans will arrive. We must be very balanced and not allow the negative impact to affect the entire season; in those moments, the team must remain united, as that is what saves the team in difficult times."