Jose Mourinho talks Mbappe, Vinicius, Courtois, Trent after Real Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan

Jose Mourinho talks Mbappe, Vinicius, Courtois, Trent after Real Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan Real Madrid kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a win over Inter Milan last night, securing the biggest result of their season so far. After suffering their first defeat under Jose Mourinho this season against Real Betis at the weekend, there was doubt about the team’s morale and ability to bounce back under pressure. Los Blancos may not have dominated, but they did manage to take all three points against the Nerazzurri and have started their campaign in the best possible manner. Mourinho’s press conference Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho spoke to the media after the game where he gave his opinion on the game against Inter Milan and the result they secured on the night. “It’s been a crazy match. So much criticism when the game is boring, well, it’s a crazy match. It could have perfectly ended 7-6.” “I didn’t have much to change in the midfield. We won a difficult match under difficult circumstances,” he added, referring to the circumstances the win came under. Mourinho is content with the performance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The manager then praised the squad for the shift they put in on the night and how it was not a boring match by any measure. “I think the players did a fantastic job, and they won a tough match under tough conditions. It wasn’t a boring match.” On his team’s attacking ability and how they could have scored more goals, Mourinho said, “We could have gone 3-0 in the last minute of the first half, and maybe turned 3-0 into 4-0 or 5-0.” “I want to praise my players, because pressing is something you train for; choosing the moments to press, how to press, where to press, and which players to press on.” On Vinicius Jr. Mourinho then spoke in depth on Vinicius Jr, the Brazilian’s performance, level this season, and relationship with the fans. He first praised the winger for his effort and pushed him to do even more. “Vinicius Junior has worked incredibly hard, he knows he’s not yet in k*ller mode.” Mourinho also revealed what he told Vinicius when he decided to take the player off the field on the night. Vinicius was taken off by Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “What did I tell Vinicius Junior when he came off? I told him that he put in a tremendous effort. I see that, everyone sees it, and he himself knows he hasn’t reached his full level yet.” “The Vinicius we know, that player capable of deciding one-on-one battles and wearing down defenders every time, hasn’t returned to his peak yet,” he added, urging Vinicius to find his best version. As a good manager, however, Mourinho ensured not to put too much pressure on the Brazilian and praised him for his contributions to the team. “But what matters to me is that he’s fighting and giving everything he’s got on the field. A player who works with this spirit and gives his utmost deserves appreciation and respect, no matter what his current level is.” “Vinicius Junior deserves all my respect. He is not at his 100% and he knows it.” “He is working more than ever to recover his form. I have so much respect for him,” he added. Finally, he was asked about the fans whistling Vinicius and what he made of the situation between the player and the supporters. “Fans whistling at Vinicius Junior? I don’t criticise the fans. When I say he deserves respect, I mean my relationship with him.” “I respect him a lot. He knows he is not at his best form and is the one who is working the most to be the Vinicius who decides games. He has had a lot of dedication and I respect that very much,” he added. Elaborating on how his judgement of players will always be different from fans’ judgement of players, the Portuguese manager said, “Fans’ opinions, I can’t say anything about. I don’t comment on the fans’ reactions.” “I gave Mbappé a kiss when he was substituted for the match he played. If Vinicius works like he did today, he will always have my respect,” he added. On Trent, Valverde and Courtois Courtois made some fantastic saves vs Inter. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Finally, Mourinho began to speak on players who put in important shifts against Inter Milan, starting off with Trent Alexander-Arnold who played in midfield . “I thank Trent Alexander-Arnold for his efforts to play in a position that is not his.” He also spoke on Federico Valverde’s press and goal, saying, “Fede Valverde’s goal is hard work, you have to know how to press and who to press.” Towards the end of his press conference, Mourinho praised Thibaut Courtois and called him Real Madrid’s best player on the night.  “I want us to have total control. I don’t like the game where our best player is Courtois.” “With all due respect to Fede Valverde, the guy who decided he should be Man of the Match ahead of Courtois was sleeping during the game,” he added. Source: Real Madrid website