Real Madrid manager, José Mourinho, has applauded his players’ determination and work ethic following their 2-2 pre-season draw with Fiorentina, saying the squad showed the right mentality despite dealing with fatigue.
Reflecting on the encounter, Mourinho admitted his side experienced different physical levels throughout the match but was satisfied with the commitment displayed by the players.
“This is Real Madrid with the players we have. As I told the boys before the match, Real Madrid is Real Madrid,” Mourinho told the club website.
“Whether it’s a friendly or a training match, it’s Real Madrid. We have to seek evolution but also achieve results to honor our history. I had to put on the field the men I had available.
“I had to pair Trent and Dumfries together and try to find a dynamic that would allow this style of play.
“We only worked yesterday in preparation for the match because the goal is not to work on just one game.
“We did a little organizational work to have a team that knows what to do on the field. I am very happy with the work of the boys from day one.”
The Portuguese coach expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the available players since the start of pre-season but acknowledged that the absence of several first-team members has limited preparations.
“I am very happy with the work the players have done since the first day,” he said. “What worries me is the absence of the other players. I would have liked to have had three weeks of work with them too, but that is not possible.”
Mourinho revealed that Vinicius, Brahim Diaz and Bernardo Silva are expected to join the squad on Monday, while Dumfries, Carlos Espi and Endrick will continue building their fitness with additional training sessions as Madrid move closer to having a full squad available.
Looking ahead to the new campaign, the Real Madrid boss admitted he is yet to experience the intensity of competitive football.
“For now, I have not felt anything special, because the real matches have not begun yet,” Mourinho said.
