Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho downplayed the significance of the upcoming Champions League clash against Inter Milan, emphasizing that the new format of the tournament offers both teams numerous opportunities to qualify without this match being a decisive one.
The pre-match press conference featured several notable statements from the Portuguese coach:
The fixture schedule: He quipped about the numerical disadvantage in his midfield due to suspensions, saying, "I don't know if the algorithm that created the fixture schedule is Italian or not!"
The formation ambiguity: He refused to hint at the possibility of moving Trent Alexander-Arnold to midfield, insisting on keeping his tactical options open.
The club's philosophy: He explained that Inter Milan has enjoyed tactical and structural stability for years, while Real Madrid is currently striving to correct past mistakes and build a solid foundation to regain its usual dominance.
