Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has said that he would need three seasons to turn the Spanish side into a perfect team.
The Portuguese coach, speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s away match against AEK Athens, praised the team’s enormous potential but stressed that they have not won anything yet.
“How long will it take to build a perfect Real Madrid? Three seasons. This team has enormous potential, without a doubt. But they haven’t won anything yet. We will see what lies ahead,” Mourinho stated.
The Portuguese manager also spoke about Federico Valverde, describing him as a crucial player for the team. According to Mourinho, the responsibility of being captain makes the Uruguayan midfielder willing to play in any position where the team needs him.
Mourinho admitted that he has been pleased with Valverde’s performances at right-back, but revealed that the midfielder is expected to return to his natural position in midfield, as Real Madrid do not have many alternatives in that area.
“The team has been built to play with Valverde in midfield. We don’t have many midfielders and, for that reason, he will certainly play in that position again,” the Portuguese manager said.
He also confirmed that Vinicius Junior will start against AEK, describing the Brazilian as the most suitable player for the left wing of the attack.
Mourinho also highlighted the difficulties awaiting Real Madrid in Athens, recalling that the Spanish side have won only once in their previous eight visits to the Greek capital.
Finally, the Portuguese coach expressed his condolences following the tragic news concerning Jesus de Miguel, sending his sympathies to his family and friends. He described it as a deeply distressing incident that has affected everyone involved in football.
