Jose Mourinho talks transfer at Real Madrid and ambition heading into 2012-13 in his first Press conference of the League season.
Real kick off the defence of their Spanish title tomorrow evening at home to Valencia, but go into the game with a relatively unchanged squad from last season.
Subsequently, for this afternoon’s conference, Mourinho began by fielding questions on possible ins and outs still suggested. Luka Modric is thought on the verge of completing a transfer in, just as Nuri Sahin is understood to be contemplating a loan move away.
“Yes, it is possible that someone could arrive and someone could leave,” admitted the Portuguese to the assembled media today.
“The market, as we know, will be open until the last day. No player that could leave is a problem if he instead stays and no player that could arrive would be a problem if he doesn’t.
“Sahin? The important thing is that the player is happy. He has a quite complicated season and after injury he struggled to get back into the team.
“For his happiness, self esteem and for Real Madrid, who will not sell him, it is important that he plays. If Sahin leaves then it is important for him and for Real Madrid.
“We’re thinking about the game tomorrow and not about anything else.
“The starting line-up? I have decided on the team but I want to see them in training. Between [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Karim] Benzema, one of them will play, but they are two of the best strikers in the world, who we want very much and we need a lot.”
Attention then turned to the season opener against Valencia tomorrow and what ambitions Mourinho is carrying into 2012-13. Last season saw them score more goals and earn more points than any Spanish Primera side previous.
“The important thing is to still have ambition, if last season’s victories are wanted to be repeated, if you want to again get the title. Every season is different and I want to start now.
“Records are not something that we seek from day one. Being a champion is being a champions, with more or less points. We seek to win, not to break records.
“The team has reached a significant level, they were the best in Europe last season. Their numbers were unmatched, they played fantastic in the Champions League semi-final last season, which isn’t what you want, but is still a good thing.
“We know and we will try to keep playing to our level and ambition.
“[For tomorrow] Valencia has had more time than us, this is a reality. We do not want excuses or comparisons. I have know [Valencia Coach Mauricio] Pellegrino since 1998 and I have good memories of a good professional, well prepared.
“He would ask things and had a tendency outside that of an ordinary player, he wanted to be one step ahead.
“During the last 15 years we have met a couple of times and I maintain a fond memory.”
The Coach refused to be drawn on Dani Alves’ assertion yesterday that Pep Guardiola was a better Coach than him.
“I have not seen this. I have no interest in talking of opponents unless the opponent is in the next game. All other opponents I have little interest in talking about.
“I’m not interested in what Alves or anyone else has said.”
Mourinho was also asked about the future for himself at Real.
“Being at a club as long as Sir Alex Ferguson is difficult. That is mission impossible, but we have signed for four year and if we have signed, we will comply.
“My intention is to keep winning and to keep producing football with identity.”
