Jose Mourinho has voiced out his frustration over Real Madrid’s schedule as the Los Blancos prepare to face Barcelona in La Liga.
Madrid enjoyed a 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday and focus has been shift to the first El Clasico of the season.
While Madrid were victorious on Wednesday, Barcelona, played their European fixture against Paris Saint-Germain a full day earlier. This discrepancy means the league leaders will benefit from an extra 24 hours of recovery before the two giants meet at the Camp Nou this weekend.
When questioned if the dominant midweek performance provided a necessary morale boost for the squad, Mourinho remained focused on the logistical challenges.
Real Madrid players celebrate scoring a goal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
”For the Clasico, there’s no room for complacency. It’s just another league match, yet it’s unlike any other. We’re pushing ahead. At the moment, we’re missing out on 24 hours of rest, but we’re moving forward,” the former Chelsea boss said, as quoted by ESPN.
Madrid have continue to bang in goals this season but their defense have been leaky. The Spanish side have managed to keep just two clean sheets in their first 12 fixtures across all competitions this season.
Sharing his thoughts on this, Mourinho was noted that the team is still a work in progress.
”No, nothing is where I want it to be. I always want to improve. I’ve been here for over a hundred days. Obviously, we are not where I want, but there are things we are doing better today than before… We are improving,” the manager explained.
Mourinho also vent out his frustration over the the goal conceded against the RB Leipzig, pointing out that Thibaut Courtois had to produce exceptional saves just to keep Madrid in a winning position.
”The goal we conceded I didn’t like because I put myself in the goalkeeper’s position. Courtois made two incredible saves that kept the game open for us to win. Just as a striker loves scoring goals, a goalkeeper loves going home with a clean sheet,” he added.
Mourinho will now be hoping his defense stay discipline as they face a tougher side in Barcelona.
Barcelona have won all nine of their opening league games and are favourite to take all three points this weekend.
