Jose Mourinho Previews Real Madrid's Clash with Valencia Ahead of International Break

Ahead of their visit to Mestalla, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho addressed the press as his side looks to capitalize on their winning run and potentially close the gap to the league leaders before the international break. Discussing squad fatigue following a late-night return from Athens, Mourinho noted that the players completed recovery sessions and responded positively, refusing to overstate the difficulties ahead.

Mourinho praised Fede Valverde's leadership and humility as team captain, while addressing rotation plans by confirming starts for Konate and Dean. Regarding the high-stakes match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, the Portuguese coach admitted he would prefer both sides to lose but ultimately cares only about his own team's results. Finally, addressing Vinicius Junior's current form, Mourinho stressed that the collective success of the team always supersedes individual players.