Mourinho: I respect Yamal's statements, and this is the secret behind the absence of injuries

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho spoke at a press conference ahead of tomorrow's match against Elche in the sixth round of La Liga, where he addressed several important matters and issues both inside and outside the team.

Jose Mourinho discussed the possibility of seeing Aurelien Tchouaméni starting in one of Real Madrid's matches this week or waiting until after the international break: "I am thinking about the minutes. Against Inter, he played 10 or 15 minutes and we were all hesitant about that. Against Rayo, he reached 20 or 25 minutes; in the upcoming matches, we will gradually increase the number of minutes. Each time he gets better, he feels stronger and more confident. Tomorrow he will play, but at this moment I cannot specify how many minutes he will participate in."

When asked about the possibility of combining Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, and whether relying on both together makes Real Madrid too defensive, Mourinho replied: "No. The way we are currently working is to keep all members of the team ready, and for everyone to feel useful and that they will get minutes. This is important, and it has an impact on motivation and daily work."

He continued: "It is not always necessary to play (2+1) [double pivot/behind them a player 8], it could be (1+2), where we can play with a number 6 and two at number 8. Regardless of each player, there are balances, movements, and dynamics that do not change much at the level of the playing style. We have players with different characteristics like Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Bernardo, Valverde, and Jude Bellingham. We always try to find the balance without losing our identity, but at the same time, we think about the problems that the opponent can cause us."

Regarding what Diomande lacks to play as a starter: "He lacks nothing. If he were not at Real Madrid with this group of players, and was in a team with fewer high-potential players, he would definitely be starting for 90 minutes in every match. However, the squad is strong and has many options. Throughout the season, you lose a bit of fuel in the engine, as well as motivation and internal competition. We also talk about Arda, Vinicius, and Brahim, and in January about Rodrigo. Being an indispensable starter, as you like to call it, is very difficult."

Regarding the measures taken by Real Madrid to deal with injuries, given that the team has not suffered any injuries this season so far, Mourinho said: "I know the numbers from the past, but I do not know the details of the process that was in place at that time. We are here working within a comprehensive, natural, and professional plan, and there is very good interaction among everyone: the players, the technical department, and the people who have the ability to prevent and strengthen, as well as individual training when small signs appear, in addition to a medical department that is significantly involved in this system, with a lot of unseen work."

He clarified: "The players arriving early is not a whim of mine, but part of the work. There is work being done inside the gym before training or at the start of the session on the pitch. And when you see them on the pitch, they have already completed 35 minutes of work; we are working well, and so far our numbers are positive. The other day, when Valverde came off at half-time, it was for precaution because he was suffering from a minor issue. If the score had been 0-0, he would have continued playing, but when the score is 3-0, we protect the player."

Regarding Lamine Yamal's statements that he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, the Portuguese coach simply said: "I cannot comment on the statements of all players. I respect the statements of any player."

He concluded about the pressure of matches and the numerous press conferences, saying: "Six press conferences in one week. In other countries, they would allow me to skip one, and I could have not been here today or tomorrow after the match. I’m tired of you (laughs), and you’re tired of me, but we are here because this is our job. The players are too. The players are tired, but they have to keep going and do what they need to do. If you tell me we have six press conferences next week, we can cancel one of them, and I’ll bring you something to eat here."

He concluded: "Elche also played on Saturday, just like us. So we will go and play."