Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance following their 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruña, which saw them earn the Teresa Herrera Trophy. Brahim Diaz netted the only goal of the match at Riazor, but Mourinho focused on the lessons learned during the rigorous pre-season challenge rather than the trophy itself.

Real Madrid faced a competitive Deportivo team that is set to return to La Liga, allowing Mourinho to rotate players, test various formations, and monitor the minutes played by key squad members.

In an interview with Real Madrid TV after the match, Mourinho highlighted that the clash with Deportivo illustrated where his team currently stands as they gear up for the new season.

Mourinho Analyzes Real Madrid’s Game Strategy Against Deportivo

Mourinho characterized the encounter as a significant test, commending Deportivo for challenging his players effectively.

“A serious match against a team returning to LaLiga, for whom this trophy holds great tradition, and they gave it their all,” he noted.

Mourinho expressed contentment with the outcome. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

“They forced us to take the game seriously. A complicated, difficult match. I have to make my substitutions; I have to give everyone a chance – I don’t want to give too many minutes to the same players,” he stated.

The Real Madrid coach underscored the importance of balancing the aim to win with the necessity of providing various players with opportunities during the game.

For instance, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler both played just 45 minutes as Mourinho managed their workloads throughout the pre-season.

“Today, just 45 minutes each for Fede and Arda. This match is here to be won, OK, it’s here to be won, but more than just to win, it’s about working, giving players minutes, testing things out,” he added.

“One thing I like is that in a match of this difficulty, with changes to the line-up, but also to formations and roles, the team played to get a result, and we’ll have many matches like this in La Liga, mainly away from home, where you’re not able to kill off the match, and when you do kill it off, you win all the same,” Mourinho articulated.

“Lots of positives; the team is growing. Five players are training at Valdebebas who haven’t been here yet – you already know who these five are. We’re taking it step by step, and next week, yes. Next week, for real.”

Real Madrid’s Progress Amidst Challenging Pre-Season Schedule

Mourinho acknowledges the challenges ahead. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Mourinho conveyed optimism about the team’s progression in several aspects, while also recognizing that the caliber of opposition is increasing as Real Madrid approaches the start of their La Liga season. The match at Riazor provided the competitive atmosphere that Mourinho sought.

Deportivo’s ambition to win a trophy with significant local importance created an intense experience that surpassed that of a typical summer friendly.

“They’re making progress in every area, but the difficulty of the matches is increasing; that’s how we’ve prepared for them,” Mourinho remarked. “It’s great to come here, with this atmosphere, against this team… we know what summer tournaments are like. They mean what they mean to the home side – the tradition, the culture… They wanted their cup, and competing in this way is very good training for us,” he concluded.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho believes his team are continuing to move in the right direction after their 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruña secured the Teresa Herrera Trophy.

Brahim Diaz scored the only goal of the match at Riazor, but Mourinho was more interested in what his players gained from a demanding pre-season test than the trophy itself. 

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Real Madrid were pushed by a Deportivo side returning to La Liga, while the Portuguese manager also used the game to rotate his squad, test different roles and manage the minutes of key players.

Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the final whistle, Mourinho made it clear that the Deportivo vs Real Madrid clash offered a useful picture of where his side currently stands ahead of the new season.

Mourinho explains Real Madrid’s approach against Deportivo

Mourinho described the match as a serious test and praised Deportivo for making life difficult for his players.

“A serious match against a team returning to LaLiga, for whom this trophy holds great tradition, and they gave it their all. 

Jose Mourinho is extremely happy with the result. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

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“They forced us to take the game seriously. A complicated, difficult match. I have to make my substitutions; I have to give everyone a chance – I don’t want to give too many minutes to the same players.”

The Real Madrid manager explained that he needed to balance the desire to win with the need to give opportunities and minutes to different members of the squad. 

Federico Valverde and Arda Guler, for example, played only 45 minutes as Mourinho continued to manage workloads during pre-season. 

“Today, just 45 minutes each for Fede and Arda. This match is here to be won, OK, it’s here to be won, but more than just to win, it’s about working, giving players minutes, testing things out.

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“One thing I like is that in a match of this difficulty, with changes to the line-up, but also to formations and roles, the team played to get a result, and we’ll have many matches like this in La Liga, mainly away from home, where you’re not able to kill off the match, and when you do kill it off, you win all the same. 

“Lots of positives; the team is growing. Five players are training at Valdebebas who haven’t been here yet – you already know who these five are. We’re taking it step by step, and next week, yes. Next week, for real.”

Real Madrid progressing as pre-season tests get tougher

Mourinho is aware of the difficulties ahead. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

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According to Mourinho, the team has improved across several areas, although the level of opposition has also risen as Real Madrid move closer to the start of their La Liga campaign.

The trip to Riazor provided exactly the kind of competitive environment Mourinho wanted. 

Deportivo were playing for a trophy with major local importance, while the atmosphere and intensity made the fixture feel more demanding than a typical summer friendly.

“They’re making progress in every area, but the difficulty of the matches is increasing; that’s how we’ve prepared for them. 

“It’s great to come here, with this atmosphere, against this team… we know what summer tournaments are like.

“They mean what they mean to the home side – the tradition, the culture… They wanted their cup, and competing in this way is very good training for us,” he concluded.