Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho says his team has given away enough points already this season and cannot afford any more slip-ups.
Los Blancos lie eight points behind leaders Barcelona, having won just two of their opening five games, and starting with Sunday’s game against Deportivo de La Coruna the Portuguese says it is time to string some victories together.
“We cannot afford to gift anything else to anyone as we’ve given away all we can. We’ve got to win and find the form to put together some wins and not just get isolated victories,” explained Mourinho in an interview with Maisfutebol.
“That happens by beating Depor and doing what we did to Manchester City and Rayo Vallecano.
“It will not be easy as they are a team that plays good football, has nothing to lose and are always dangerous on the counter-attack.”
Mourinho also spoke about next Tuesday’s Champions League game between Benfica and Barcelona.
“[Benfica boss] Jorge Jesus knows how to build a team capable of making it difficult for Barcelona. The potential of both teams is different but the Benfica Coach will put out a side capable of fighting for the points.”
“Barca are favourites to win the game and to top the group, but they will find a good team up against them that has already drawn with a direct rival.
“Any point Benfica can get on Tuesday would be fantastic because all the onus is on Barca, one of the favourites for the Champions League, but the Portuguese team will have ambition and motivation.”
Mourinho coached the Lisbon giants 12 years ago before going on to find success with Porto, Chelsea, Inter and now Real Madrid, and he feels The Eagles have now got back some of the respect they once commanded in European football.
“They have regained their prestige, credibility and stature as one of Europe’s great clubs and are well respected. They have recovered their values,” insisted Mourinho.
Asked about the summer’s big-name signings such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Maicon, Alex Song, Luka Modric and Robin van Persie, Mourinho had a message for the big spenders.
“When the UEFA Financial Fair Play rules come into operation we’ll see which clubs have prepared for the reality, the ones that have a business plan in which the sale of assets is fundamental.”
