Jose Mourinho is adamant there is no additional pressure on Real Madrid ahead of their second campaign with the Champions League coming to the heavyweight European table with a clash with Inter Milan. The Portuguese manager is back at the Santiago Bernabeu with the Spaniards looking to bounce back from their LaLiga defeat on Friday against Real Betis in Spain following their first defeat in Europe this season.
Mourinho’s first Madrid tenure was also called an unsuccessful one as it did not see the Champions League trophy, which was the only major trophy that he failed to win during his period at the club. But he denied Real Madrid’s success this time around is his responsibility.
“It’s two different spells,” Mourinho said. But what I have to do now, has not got anything to do with the past.”
The 63-year-old also commented on the evolution of the club since he took over in 2010, when Real Madrid were unable to break through from the last-16 of the Champions League. Mourinho emphasised that building consistency is his top priority and has said that his focus isn’t to be influenced by the expectation for the most successful club in Europe.
“This is what we want, we want to win every match, every competition.” “But you have to work to accomplish stability.” Real Madrid has won the European Cup and the Champions League 15 times in history, their last victory being in 2024. Now they’re looking for their next continental prize as they haven’t won a major one since their last season.
Mourinho’s arrival has also brought the culture of the team to the fore. Kylian Mbappe was dismissive of the rumors of a big change in the dressing room after the manager’s departure, claiming the atmosphere has not changed from last season. Serie A champions Inter Milan will now have to get their domestic defeat out of the way as they travel to the Bernabeu on Tuesday against Real Madrid.
