Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the criteria used to select the Ballon d'Or winner ahead of his team's LaLiga fixture against Malaga, arguing that the award for the world's best player should not automatically go to someone who won the Champions League or the World Cup.
The Portuguese coach spoke to the press prior to Real Madrid's third league match of the campaign, following victories in their opening two games. Mourinho expressed satisfaction with his squad's early performances while stressing that there is still significant room for tactical growth.
Mourinho emphasized that while individual talent can decide games, building a cohesive collective unit remains the primary objective for the Spanish club this season.
Squad physical condition and team selection
Addressing the physical fitness of his squad, Mourinho explained that several players had experienced different pre-season preparation schedules. He confirmed that Spanish defender Marc Cucurella would start in Saturday's match against Malaga.
The manager also provided an update on newcomer Diomande, who was among the last additions to the squad following a complicated summer. Mourinho noted that Diomande had not trained with RB Leipzig and lacked a foundational fitness base with his former team.
Mourinho added that the club is integrating Diomande gradually, noting that the player has already received match minutes and is showing steady physical improvement.
Attacking chemistry and tactical preparation
Much of the attention surrounding Real Madrid at the start of the season has focused on the partnership between forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. Mourinho stated that their quality was only part of the reason for their strong understanding on the pitch.
The Portuguese manager highlighted the deep empathy, friendship, and spirit of collaboration between the two players. He explained that their connection operates within an eleven-player team dynamic that will continue to improve over time.
Mourinho acknowledged that having elite individual talents makes a manager's job appear easy, but insisted that players themselves resolve difficult moments. He revealed that his team spent 45 minutes working on offensive and defensive movements during training, balancing tactical organization with player freedom.
Mental concentration and squad philosophy
The Real Madrid manager clarified his concept of player concentration, stating that true mental focus is developed during daily training sessions rather than just before kickoff. He expressed mild frustration that external observers often only see warm-ups and basic passing drills like rondos instead of intensive tactical work.
Regarding player focus away from the training ground, Mourinho adopted a flexible stance. He noted that whether players sleep in a focused state depends on the situation, adding that the team was not doing so on Friday.
Mourinho also praised England midfielder Jude Bellingham, describing him as a unique and impressive footballer with distinct talents who is vital to the team. He noted that while fans come to see star individuals, they also want to see the team play, suffer, and compete together.
Ballon d'Or criticism and Ancelotti praise
Expanding on his criticism of the Ballon d'Or, Mourinho argued that collective trophies should not be confused with individual recognition. He stated that if major tournaments dictate the prizes, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique deserves credit for the Champions League, while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente deserves recognition for national team success.
Without naming him directly, Mourinho defended Kylian Mbappe for the individual honor, stating that the best player in the world does not have to belong to Paris Saint-Germain or the Spanish national team. He added that two or three players made history during the summer, before noting that political factors influence the award and he avoids politics.
The Real Madrid boss also reflected on past football legends, stating that he misses Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane.
Mourinho concluded by praising former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, calling the Italian manager great in every aspect without a single weakness. He added that tactical or management challenges are natural during a season, noting that an opponent knowing his starting team is not dramatic unless structural changes are involved.
