Mourinho grateful for LaLiga delay, says earlier Real Sociedad clash would have been a problem | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has welcomed LaLiga’s decision to push Real Madrid’s league opener against Real Sociedad from 15 August to Wednesday 26, saying a meeting two weeks earlier would have been a problem and that Mikel Oyarzabal would not have played if it had not been delayed. According to Diario Vasco, the switch, at the Bernabéu, was made because of the presence of World Cup players.

He returns to the home dugout at 21.00 and stressed his respect for Real Sociedad, describing Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side as a team with identity and quality. He expects a difficult game.

He does not anticipate a special reception but repeatedly urged fans to back the team so the players feel something different to last season. Beyond those notes on the match, he addressed familiar themes at Real Madrid press conferences, including Vinicius’s frustrations, referees and late-window departures or arrivals.

On his touchline demeanour, he acknowledged he has felt calmer for years and more in control of his emotions, while warning that little has gone wrong so far and that a true test may come when problems arise.

Discussing his set-up, he said he wants Vinicius, Mbappé and Bellingham together, arguing their positives outweigh any tactical shortcomings and that he can help with the rest. As for Tchouameni’s readiness, he maintained a player should not start August while struggling or injured, so he will wait a few weeks until the midfielder is fully ready.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”