Jose Mourinho Previews Racing Santander Clash and Discusses Ballon d'Or Reactions

Ahead of Real Madrid's away fixture against Racing Santander, manager Jose Mourinho addressed the media in the press room. He opened by reflecting on Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony, praising former player Harry Kane for a well-deserved win while describing Kylian Mbappe as unique and the greatest player in World Cup history, though admitting Jude Bellingham finishing eleventh left him completely stunned.

Mourinho also evaluated a hazardous upcoming stretch of away matches and the team's schedule challenges. Addressing the right-back situation, he explained that shifting Fede Valverde to the flank is a sacrifice made for the collective good over individual preferences, despite having Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries. He assured that everyone will get their minutes over the long campaign and dismissed fears of players asking to leave.