Mourinho: You can't compare Real Madrid to FC Barcelona, and this is what the derby holds

José Mourinho, the manager of Real Madrid, spoke at the press conference ahead of the match against Atlético Madrid in the seventh round of the Spanish league, which will take place at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano.

The coach, in his comments about the derby, said: "The derby always carries something extra. Derbies are about history, culture, and the passion of the fans, players, and coaches... Some understand quickly what that means. But in the end, it is a match for three points."

Regarding Real Madrid's recent negative results at the Metropolitano, he explained: "I don't know if I will be able to get the team to enter the match at 100%, but that is my intention and the intention of my players. But I don't know if I will be able to do that. We have played many consecutive matches, but we have managed to correct some things, and this is an ongoing process. If there are clubs that train for three, four, or five consecutive days... and if we are always talking about development, imagine our situation, where we have already played seven or eight official matches during these past few months. We need to improve, but we also need to achieve results. We are working, and we have great confidence, but we also know that we have to work."

When asked what he wanted to say earlier regarding penalties, he replied: "Now it's too late. Because after that round, we went through another round. In this other round, there were more questions you could have asked me. For example, a very clear and obvious question: what do I think about Elche finishing the match with 11 players. But if we get into this matter... we will reach tomorrow's match, and I prefer to say that although it's a bit strange that we knew a week in advance who would be the referee for tomorrow's match, I prefer to say that if he has been appointed, it's because he has the quality and experience to manage a match with such emotional dimensions. I don't like talking about referees before the match. After the match, we will see. But before it... he has all my trust."

Regarding the timing of his press conference and whether he prefers to speak after Diego Simeone, he said: "No, I didn't even know what time he would speak. I had no idea. There is no reason for me to speak today at this time. I don't know what benefit I would get from that."

When asked if the derby match is special for Vinícius Júnior, he said: "For everyone. I don't know... maybe the players who have spent longer at Real Madrid and have lived through this negative history feel something extra. But I don't think so. I believe we are united, and we recognize the difficulty of the match and what I said before: this is the culture of the city. But the match is equally important for everyone."

He elaborated on Barcelona's strong start: "Historically and culturally, Real Madrid cannot compare itself to any team, and for that reason, I will not compare myself to any team. I am talking about our team, and I do so without any problem, just as I talk about our issues and what needs to be improved. Although it has become increasingly difficult to hear anything positive about Real Madrid. But we continue our work with humility, and we have no problem acknowledging our issues, but we also know the very good things we have in the team."

He added: "In the three matches where we reached the final minutes needing to score to win or draw, we finished the games with physical and mental strength, with a fighting spirit and determination... It can be said clearly: it is not normal to lead 2-0 against Elche and then draw in the 80th minute. But at the same time, it is also not normal for the opponent to equalize with us in the 80th minute, then the team changes within minutes, gets one chance, then another, then another... and scores and wins. It is also not normal to be behind against Betis and have the belief that if we score a stunning goal through Espi, even though we missed a penalty, we still have the strength to look for more. This team has, alongside quality, a very significant meaning of endurance, which is the strength of the group. And that gives me confidence. This is a marathon, not a sprint."

Regarding his assessment of Atlético Madrid's squad, Mourinho declined to make a direct comparison, stating: "I don't want to compare the squads. Don't ask me to compare Oblak and Courtois. What I say is: a strong team, with many solutions, a great coach, and a person who chooses the players he likes, who represent his character and identity. Many years of work. It's a team I look at and think will be there, competing for the title at the end of the season."

Regarding the evolution of his ideas about playing with a high or low defensive block, he explained: "There is a difference between your idea of what you prefer more and what you can do with what you have. I believe one of my qualities as a coach is that I have always tried to adapt to the capabilities of my players. My team, Inter, was able to play for 90 minutes with a low block and always stay in the comfort zone. Or for three days. No one could score against us even if they tried. The players are different. I like to know how to defend with a low block because it's hard not to go through those moments. And when they come, whether for two minutes or 20 minutes, you have to know how to deal with them. And this is one of the things we are working to improve. We must know that we will go through moments like this."

When asked if the Madrid derby motivates him more than the clásico at this stage of his career, Mourinho replied: "I get motivated every day. I understand you say that with respect, but when you say at this stage of my career, from day one until now, it will always be the same. The years do not change my way. The next match against Villarreal motivates me just as much as the clásico or the derby does. In terms of motivation, it is completely equal for me. And as I said before, the clásico and the derby... they are part of the culture, part of the history, and that’s why they carry something extra. But when you talk about motivation... motivation is every day."

Speaking about the derby name that has had the biggest impact on him in the world, he said: "It's hard to pinpoint that, because when you wear a club's shirt, you also become a supporter. There is no derby where you walk down the street during the week leading up to it and no one tells you: let's kill Juventus... or any other team. Or that you isolate yourself and have no contact with the outside world. The derby that surprised me the most due to my expectations was Milan and Inter, because I thought there was... not much, but a little bit of hatred, and I was surprised that they are friends and have a good relationship. Hatred exists to some extent in the north. I saw a lady and a man each wearing a different shirt in the street. Or a father and his son. In Portugal, this is impossible... and in Türkiye, don't get me started!"

In his comments regarding Diego Simeone, especially after previous statements from the Argentine about the need not to judge a coach who does not win the Champions League, Mourinho said: "A lot of nonsense is said during the journey... And if you look back, you won't find one of us who hasn't said silly things. Or things influenced by the moment... or strategically. They called me to participate in the documentary about Simeone and I didn't hesitate for a second. We are rivals, but we are comrades in war."

Regarding the upcoming long break, Mourinho said: "Doesn't anyone like it? But what can we do? Four players will remain for 20 days. Four players. And then some will arrive... three days before the match against Villarreal, or two days... and the Brazilians are coming from India, like Valverde. The European players have four tough matches. And many of them. For me, it's difficult, because after that come the consecutive matches against Villarreal and Roma. But that means we have good players."

Regarding whether Aurelien Tchouameni is capable of playing in consecutive matches and his absence from the France national team, he said: "I had no influence on the decision for him not to go. I did not speak with Zidane. I was surprised by it. But they talked and came to the conclusion that the best thing for him is to take the time to prepare, which he has not done. The coach told him that he relies on him for the future, and they agreed on this matter, which is a privilege for us. Because after the derby, he will have days of rest and will be able to return stronger."

Reflecting on his self-assessment after his first 100 days with Real Madrid, Mourinho said: "My assessment of myself is that I have given my utmost. And I believe that my situation is not just about training and playing matches, but about influencing the development of football within the club. It's not just about training and making changes... I don't give myself a rating, and I don't think it was perfect or negative, but the assessment I give myself is that I have given my utmost. My utmost. And that is what I will continue to do."

In his comments on whether the derby match is a turning point for Real Madrid, Mourinho said: "I am not pessimistic. I do not think about it either positively or negatively. You are asking me in a positive or negative way, but I will only respond in a positive way. And I will not say anything."