Jose Mourinho has made clear that Real Madrid are in a position to ‘do what we did last year’, despite their current League position.
Last term saw them break a number of records on the way to winning the League title, including reaching a 100-point tally. However, this term sees them already having dropped eight points from five games.
Even so, Mourinho believes they have the ability to progress up the table, making clear an earlier declaration about removing mistakes from their play.
“I said we cannot afford any more gifts away, not that we cannot lose any more points,” he told reporters at today’s conference, where he also confirmed Zinedine Zidane’s departure.
“If the opponent is good, if you have had bad luck, if our five strikers have failed, if the goalkeeper makes a mistake, you can lose games.
“We played very well against Manchester City and Rayo Vallecano, if we continue like this then we can do what we did last season.”
The team are currently eight points behind Barcelona and, playing a day after La Blaugrana, could go into their home match with Deportivo 11 points back.
“It is not my concern. At Madrid, if the line of quality of play is there, the mentality, then we have the conditions in place to chain a series of many wins in a row.
“I am sure this will happen. We will have the possibility to cut the points. My concern is to recover our level of play.”
But, Mourinho refused to suggest that the midweek 8-0 win over Millonarios in the Trofeo Bernabeu was an indication of that level of play having returned.
“The trophy does not have a significant impact on me. It is in our tradition and I did not want to lose, but from a sporting point of view it is not a game that I can take significant conclusions from.
“Winning against City was a profound message. Equally so too was the win over Rayo. The team have responded well. we are not always going to play well, but we have the obligation to have this kind of attitude.”
The Coach was asked of his relationship with President Florentino Perez, who earlier today was reported as telling club delegates of his lack of understanding for Real’s culture.
“I have a great relationship with the President, both professionally and personally. But, as a matter of principle, a Coach cannot comment on what they talk about with their President.”
Mourinho was again asked about Sergio Ramos, who he dropped for the Manchester City game and brought back for the Rayo game.
“When Sergio gives me everything he adds to the defence, defensive security, a quality option from set pieces, fighting for every ball, leadership, he is one of the best, when he gives everything.”
At the same time, Mesut Ozil has been finding game-time harder to come by with the arrival of Luka Modric this summer.
“He is working to get better. We have a good squad, with many midfield players and with great quality. A player who wants to play more minutes has to earn them.
“But he is a quality player, I admire him, he loves to train. It is normal to want to improve and reach your highest level.”
Mourinho refused to confirm whether Gonzalo Higuain or Karim Benzema would be starting in attack this weekend.
“For me, there has been too much on this topic. The history between Pipa and Karim has lasted two years. Enough questions about them.”
