José Mourinho reveals the secret behind the major transformation inside Real Madrid
Great praise from the Portuguese for his team
José Mourinho was delighted with Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Valencia at the Mestalla, a result that stretched the Spanish giants' winning run to eight games across all competitions ahead of the international break. The Portuguese coach hailed both the collective display and his players' ongoing development in La Liga.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV, as reported by the newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", Mourinho called it an exceptional performance. "They deserved tremendous praise for this performance," he said, adding that the team keeps improving and is enjoying an excellent technical spell.
He drew a sharp contrast with the recent victory over AEK Athens, secured by a late goal. "As I said in Athens, winning a match after coming back in the final moments gives a wonderful feeling, but it means you did not deliver a perfect match. Today, though, we delivered a perfect match."
Tactical discipline and focus made the difference, according to Mourinho. Every player carried out his role with concentration, fully aware of how tricky the game would be and how vital the points were ahead of the international break, with the title race heating up.
The clean sheet mattered just as much. Mourinho felt his side's possession helped them defend, limiting Valencia to a single chance. Thibaut Courtois brilliantly denied it with the game still goalless.
Harmony in the dressing room was another theme. The coach insisted every player stays focused, even those who rarely feature. Éder Militão, left out against Valencia, carried on training on the pitch alongside the other players who didn't get a run-out.
Everyone in the squad knows their moment will come, Mourinho said, and the group is happy when the less-used players get their chance to shine. For him, that spirit is exactly what he wants to build.
Mourinho signed off by reflecting on a gruelling stretch. Real Madrid had played four straight games on the road, battling travel fatigue and little time to sleep or train. Coming through all of them with wins, then producing this display against Valencia, has given his players a huge lift.
