Real Madrid Aims to Sustain Champions League Perfection Against AEK Athens
Real Madrid stands among only five teams boasting a perfect winning record in the UEFA Champions League this season. The club seeks to continue this streak as they prepare to face AEK Athens on Wednesday, a match for which Jose Mourinho plans to rest a couple of key players.
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As the team approaches this encounter, Mourinho shared insights on his lineup, their chances in the Champions League, and the recent passing of Jesus de Miguel.
Mourinho Emphasizes Importance of AEK Athens Match
Mourinho expressed the significance of securing three points against AEK Athens, noting that achieving this goal would place the team in a stronger position in the league standings.
“We’re close to qualifying through the playoffs but far from the round of 16. We need points and we must play a serious match against a strong opponent in their stadium.
“The fact that Real Madrid has only won one of eight European matches in Athens is significant. We have to play at our best, seriously, and try to maintain our level of play. We need points,” he remarked.
Mourinho seeks vital points against AEK Athens. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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When asked about the team’s recent comeback against AS Roma and whether it marked a pivotal moment in their season, Mourinho responded, “I don’t have that feeling. The comeback had a positive impact from an emotional point of view, of course, but I don’t think it was a turning point in terms of our play.
“I believe more in the process; we get to know each other better and better, every training session and match gives us the opportunity to improve, we keep discovering each other. Every experience we have makes us more aware of one another.
“This accumulation of work and experience is what makes teams better. I don’t believe in turning points,” he stated.
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Mourinho also declined to draw comparisons between this Real Madrid team and the one from his earlier tenure at the club.
“I don’t like to make comparisons. Not of players, not of teams, not of periods. We’re talking about many years ago, and I don’t like it. This team has great potential, without a doubt. The other one had it too and won many titles; with me only three, but then they won for many years.
“This team hasn’t won anything yet. We’ll see what the future holds, but I’m very happy with the squad I have,” he mentioned.
Title Aspirations and Player Discussions
With three victories in three matches, Real Madrid are among the leading candidates to top the league phase, consequently placing them in a favorable position for the trophy.
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When asked what it would mean for him to win the Champions League again with Real Madrid, Mourinho noted, “It would be my third Champions League title with three different clubs. It would be winning it with the biggest club in the world. But we’re talking about hypothetical situations, and I prefer the real ones. We need more points to qualify,” he said.
“Until then, I don’t even want to talk about the round of 16. We’ve got nine points, six of them against two very, very tough teams, but we have to keep going.
“Tomorrow will be a difficult match after an inconvenient trip between two important league games. Since we’re here, we have to win,” he added.
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Mourinho also highlighted player performance, focusing on Federico Valverde, who has emerged as a regular in the right-back position.
“I see him as a very important player for the team. The fact that he’s the captain of Real Madrid makes him look at things differently. When you’re the captain, you have to be different.
“It’s a responsibility, and that will mean he’ll play left-back if necessary for his team and his teammates. I’m absolutely sure he won’t have any problem playing anywhere. The squad was built with Valverde in mind as a midfielder and two good right-backs.
Mourinho confirmed that Valverde could eventually return to midfield but acknowledged the fierce competition in that area of the team.
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“I’m sure he’ll return to playing in midfield, no matter how happy he is with his performance at full-back and how well the team is playing.
Mourinho indicated Valverde may eventually switch back to midfield. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“In midfield, we have Bernardo, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Pitarch… and that’s it. That’s why I think he’ll play at full-back, but he’ll surely have to play in midfield as well.”
Mourinho also spoke about Vinicius Jr., who is expected to start against AEK Athens, especially given his domestic suspension that extends into the upcoming match against Villarreal.
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“He’ll start, he’ll play. You’re forgetting about Brahim, Endrick… We have a lot of quality players in attack. Having many players isn’t a problem, the problem is having too few.
“Diomande can play on both wings, Brahim and Endrick too. Vinicius is perhaps the most suited to the left wing, we know that.”
Finally, Mourinho shared his condolences regarding the tragic passing of Leganes footballer Jesus de Miguel, which has left the football community in shock.
“These are everyone’s words. It’s a shocking thing for the world in general, imagine for people like us, in the world of football, who are on the field competing every day. It’s hard and sad.
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“All my words and feelings go out to the family and friends of the player who passed away. I think it must also be a very difficult time for the other player involved in the situation,” he concluded.
