Huijsen talks Mourinho, Mbappe, Courtois, Konate after Real Madrid 2-1 Inter Milan: ‘We could have won 5-0 or 6-1’ | OneFootball

Dean Huijsen has revealed that Jose Mourinho is demanding more from him after the Real Madrid defender played another important role in the 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

Huijsen has established himself in the heart of Madrid’s defence this season, but the 21-year-old insists his strong start means little unless he can maintain that level throughout the campaign. 

He also credited Mourinho for challenging him to reach another level.

“I think he’s really on my case. He pushes me hard, and that’s good because he knows what I’m capable of. 

“He helps me a lot and I’m happy. He pushes me so that I can improve and take that step forward,” he said.

Huijsen refuses to get carried away

Despite becoming an increasingly important part of Real Madrid’s defence, Huijsen was keen to keep his early-season form in perspective.

“We have to keep it up. Five matches are nothing; we need to have a good season as a whole.”

The defender was also pleased with the victory over Inter but felt Madrid should have put the contest beyond doubt much earlier.

Dean Huijsen has revealed how Mourinho is backing him. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“They’re a great team and have reached the Champions League final in each of the last two years. We have to keep it up; it’s the three points that count. 

“I think we played a good match. If we’d managed to make it 3–0, it would have been over there and then,” he said.

Mourinho wants greater competitiveness

Huijsen again highlighted Madrid’s missed chances when asked about ThibautCourtois’ performance.

“It was a mad match, but if we’d made it 3–0… I think we had one at the end of the first half and quite a few in the second. 

“If we’d managed to score them, we could have won 5–0 or 6–1,” he noted.

He also backed Kylian Mbappe’s Ballon d’Or prospects, stating,

“I don’t know, I’m not one of those who votes. I think he’s in with a very good chance. We know the quality he possesses. 

Huijsen has nothing but praise for Ibrahima Konate. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“He’s a very special player and I hope he continues to score plenty of goals for us,” he said.

Mourinho’s demand for greater competitiveness was another theme of Huijsen’s assessment.

“I think we need to be a bit more competitive; that’s what the manager said. 

“At the end of the day, football is also about emotions and you have to be more competitive,” he explained.

Huijsen also praised his centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate by concluding, 

“He’s a force to be reckoned with. He’s excellent in defence and on the ball too. 

“He’s strong, tall and doesn’t shy away from a challenge. We get on well together.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo