Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho Gives Press a 'Homework Assignment'

During the pre-match press conference for the Champions League match against Roma, the Real Madrid coach was questioned about all the controversy that happened last Saturday in the match against Villarreal. However, the Portuguese coach responded quickly that he would not talk about it since he was there to talk about the European commitment. However, he gave the journalists a "homework assignment."

"I have nothing to say; it is a Champions League match, so I have nothing to say about the (domestic) championship. I am only going to say one thing, and I am going to try to make it the last thing that is talked about regarding that: I only invite you to watch the first minute of the Villarreal match; watching one minute is enough. Watch it and, if you want, we will talk on Saturday. The first minute is more than enough."

After that, the Portuguese asked that the Italian press be the one to take the floor in order to be able to talk more about Wednesday's match than about the referees, but while answering the questions, he kept dropping one hidden message or another. "If you ask me if my players act inhibited in the league, it is for a reason.

I trust all the referees before the match, in Europe and in the championship. What smells strange to me is that, when the referees are published 24 hours before the match, it is known three weeks in advance. I see that the criticism is not very direct about clear things," he said.

He also spoke about the performance Federico Valverde had last Saturday when, at one point in the second half, the Portuguese took off Trent Alexander-Arnold to bring on Vinicius Jr. It was then that he moved the Uruguayan to right back, and he had a great performance there.

"Against Villarreal, the Madrid coach has done very well. We found what we were looking for. We had many offensive solutions to change, but I understood that it was better to change the profile of the right back. Fede could make a difference. This time it worked out well, but not always. There is only one Fede; it is just a situation that is caused because we have two very good fullbacks," he mentioned.

To finish, he recalled a little of his past in Italy, since let's remember that Mourinho has coached several clubs in the country, having great stories with them and being loved by the fanbase. "I should not say it myself. Inter and Roma are the two strongest in Italy. They are good memories for me. I have seen both of them, and they are the strongest. I am prepared for the return. Roma and I want to win; the love is forgotten.

It is one more match. If I manage to forget where I am and tell what happened, it is one more match. I am doing it. It is not yet the true pressure of Roma. I think it will come later. Maybe we will see each other further ahead. I win people over by being myself. Taking care of the club's interests above my own. That is why people identify with me. We won the Conference; we played the Europa League final. They have treated me very well at many clubs, but these people are special."