Mourinho Ahead of Inter Clash: Real Madrid Needs Stability, Suspension Issues Won't Stop Us

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho addressed the media ahead of their Champions League showdown against Inter Milan, downplaying the match's absolute finality while stressing the importance of securing points under the competition's new format.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Mourinho noted that while the encounter isn't a knockout tie, it remains significant. "We still have seven matches ahead, and I believe both Real Madrid and Inter will qualify. It’s highly likely we will face each other again when the stakes are higher, but tomorrow every point matters," he stated.

Addressing a depleted midfield due to suspensions, the Portuguese tactician took a swipe at the fixture generation: "I don't know if the algorithm behind the match schedule is Italian or not, but it put us in this situation. We have four or five options to cover these absences, but I won't reveal my tactics or whether Arnold will play in midfield."

Reflecting on his return to Real Madrid, Mourinho emphasized the need to build a stable foundation following a complex previous season. Pointing to Inter's tactical consistency despite managerial changes, he concluded: "Real Madrid is Real Madrid—a club built solely to win. To reach our peak, we must establish that same core stability."