Real Madrid manager Mourinho says his side’s six-match winning streak should not be taken as proof that everything is working perfectly, warning: “When you win, everything looks better than it actually is.”
Speaking at a news conference, Mourinho said he was not a stubborn coach and outlined the tactical changes he has introduced since Roma scored their third goal at the Stadio Olimpico. Those adjustments have helped transform Real Madrid’s approach and left Vinicius competing to regain his place.
Real Madrid have won six matches in a row, a run bettered among Europe’s top leagues only by Paris Saint-Germain, who have recorded nine consecutive victories. Mourinho, however, remains cautious despite the results.
One of his most significant decisions has been to use Valverde at right-back. That has left specialist right-backs Dumfries and Trent out of the side.
“I don’t like it, it makes me uncomfortable. But I put the team first,” Mourinho said.
The manager also praised the English defender’s display in Santander, while making clear that Valverde’s selection is primarily a tactical choice.
The change also underlines Mourinho’s authority within the squad. Last season, when Xabi Alonso deployed Valverde at right-back because Carvajal and Trent were unavailable, the midfielder publicly said: “I wasn’t born to play as a full-back.”
His response to Mourinho’s decision has been different. Valverde has adopted a more accommodating stance and now says: “I’ll play wherever the coach tells me to.”
Real Madrid’s improved form has also been built on Mourinho abandoning the rigid double pivot of Valverde and Tchouameni. He has instead found a structure that allows Guler and Bernardo Silva to provide greater creativity and service to the forwards.
The arrival of Yan Diomande has further improved the team’s cohesion. The Ivorian offers dribbling ability comparable to Vinicius and has scored four goals, three more than the Brazilian’s total of one. Cucurella has also regained his form, although Yan Diomande will remain ahead of him.
Vinicius is expected to return in Athens, but his appearances now carry heightened expectations. He must fight to reclaim his starting position and show that his individual ability can fit into a side that has established a winning rhythm.
Mourinho has continued to offer him support, but Yan Diomande currently occupies the left flank. Vinicius must respond if he is to change that situation, having already lost the advantage he previously held.
Mourinho has also brought Camavinga and Endrick back into the rotation after both appeared to have been forgotten. Significant changes to the line-up are expected for the match in Athens.
“There is an understanding between the coach and the players. We have reached a consensus on some things that were initially incomprehensible,” Mourinho said.
According to Cadena SER, the players celebrated by throwing Mourinho into the air in the Camp Nou dressing room. The latest results, he said, provide the clearest evidence of the new arrangement.
