Mourinho on Tchouaméni, Vinícius and a warning about physical load before the derby

Real Madrid C.F.

Tchouaméni will use the international break to get up to speed

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One of the standout names was Aurélien Tchouaméni. Mourinho explained that the midfielder will finally not travel with France and will use that period to complete a kind of pre-season that he has still not been able to carry out. 'The best thing for him is to have time to do the pre-season he hasn't done'. The coach believes this situation is beneficial for Real Madrid and expects the player to return after the break in better physical condition. Therefore, Tchouaméni will keep building up both load and confidence over the coming weeks.

Physical load is a concern ahead of the derby

Mourinho admitted that the team has stacked up many matches in a very short period. 'We've had a lot of games in a row'. The manager explained that this limits the time available to work on tactical aspects and forces the team to manage their efforts better. Ahead of the derby, the intention is for the team to go out at their maximum level, although Mourinho acknowledges that the accumulation of minutes could affect the performance of some players.

Vinícius, ready for a special match

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Mourinho was also asked about Vinícius and whether the derby has a special meaning for him. The coach avoided singling him out and believes the game is equally important for the whole squad. 'The match is equally important for everyone'. There were no signs indicating physical problems or a possible absence, so Vinícius continues to be part of the usual plans for the derby.

Real Madrid will also have to know how to defend low

Mourinho also spoke about one of the tactical changes he is trying to introduce. The Portuguese coach believes it is important that his team can adapt to different scenarios, including moments when they have to defend in a low block. 'We need to know that we will go through moments like that'. Against Atlético, Real Madrid could alternate phases of higher pressure with periods of deeper retreat depending on how the match develops.

Confidence in the strength of the group

Mourinho highlighted in particular Real Madrid's ability to respond in difficult situations. The coach recalled several recent matches in which the team managed to maintain intensity, determination and energy until the final minutes. For the manager, that ability represents one of the team's great strengths at the moment.