Mourinho: Valencia are a daunting challenge, and Real Madrid’s interests come before Vinicius

Jose Mourinho said Real Madrid are ready to face Valencia on Saturday in the twelfth round of the Spanish league. He described the match as one of the competition’s toughest, saying it scares him in a figurative sense because of the opponent’s strength and its coach’s experience. He noted that his team need to produce their best performance to return with all three points.

Mourinho praised Federico Valverde, describing him as a professional, humble and on good terms with his teammates. He said Valverde has qualities that can help him shoulder the responsibility of leading Real Madrid, without comparing his current level with last season’s.

On the Barcelona–Atletico Madrid match, he said he hoped both teams would lose, but noted that one of them would drop points either way. He stressed that his focus was on the Valencia match.

Speaking about Vinicius Junior, Mourinho stressed that Real Madrid’s and the team’s interests come before any player, and that he would not harm the team for the sake of an individual. He explained that his decisions take players’ fitness and the run of matches into account, and that he aims to prepare them to reach their best possible level. He also noted that the previous match had been a suitable opportunity for Vinicius to play and for Arda Guler, who had been dealing with some problems, to rest. He expressed confidence that the outstanding player could regain his form with the support of his teammates.

Regarding a tribute to the late Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel, Mourinho said the information he had received indicated that tributes would be held across the various competitions. He said it would be best to leave the decision to the player’s family, friends and teammates, as they were best placed to know what he would have preferred. He also said he had no plans for special rest periods before the international break, but would try to distribute playing time. He noted that holding the match on Saturday would allow the international players to rest on Sunday before beginning their national-team commitments.