Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has made his expectations clear ahead of the club’s La Liga opener against Espanyol on Saturday, insisting that success this season will ultimately be measured by results and trophies.
Speaking directly to the media for the first time since his appointment, Mourinho said the team can improve in several areas and that there is still significant work to be done in rebuilding the club’s structure, but stressed that finishing the season without silverware would not constitute a successful campaign.
Mourinho also gave an update on his state of mind and the squad’s preparations, acknowledging that the players have returned to training at different stages of readiness. While he said he was pleased with the progress so far, he admitted that an extra week of preparation would have been useful, particularly as the team continues to manage players returning from long-term injuries.
“I’m fine. I’m calm. One more season. As you said, the squad faces the challenge of starting in different groups,” Mourinho said, explaining that some players have completed 36 training sessions and six games, while others have had just five training sessions and a few matches.
He added that the coaching staff had tailored training programmes to meet the needs of individual players, while noting that the team was ready to move beyond pre-season friendlies and begin competing in meaningful matches.
“I’m very happy with the situation. If you ask me if I’d like to have one more week, yes. But we’re tired of friendlies. We don’t love this job because of the friendlies. We want real matches.”
Mourinho also provided an update on the squad’s injury situation, saying players who missed much of last season should not be expected to return immediately. He confirmed that Endrick is the only player unavailable for the opener who was not injured last season, while Tchouameni is progressing but needs further training before he can return to full fitness.
Mourinho also stressed the importance of maintaining commitment and discipline throughout the season, warning his players that they must learn to deal with frustration as competition for places intensifies.
Mourinho acknowledged that making selection decisions would not be easy, particularly given the effort being put in by his players, but insisted that frustration could not be allowed to affect performances.
“I can’t start a game with 15 players. Only 11 can play. I hope it’s a tough decision because they’re working as hard as they are. The day one of them lets his performance slip due to frustration, the decision will be easy for me,” he said.
The Portuguese manager urged the squad to handle such setbacks collectively and individually, stressing that the team’s ability to overcome moments of frustration could prove crucial throughout the campaign.
