Real Madrid vs. Inter… Mourinho Talks Champions League Pressure and Mbappe on Dressing Room Tension

Al-Taj News – Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho confirmed that he does not feel any additional pressure to win the UEFA Champions League title during his second spell with Real Madrid, on the eve of the highly anticipated clash against Italian visitors Inter Milan tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Santiago Bernabeu, marking the start of both teams’ campaigns in the continental competition.

Responding to a question about whether he feels indebted to the Spanish giants for the Champions League title that eluded him during his first spell, Mourinho said: “No, these are different periods. When I left in 2013, we gave everything we had, and what I am doing now has nothing to do with the past.” He added: “In 2010, we did not even reach the quarter-finals, while now the team has won six titles in a little more than a decade.”

Attention is turning to the “Merengues'” reaction following their first defeat of Mourinho’s second era, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis last Friday in La Liga. Commenting on that, the Portuguese coach said: “We want to win every match and every competition, but we must work hard to achieve stability, as it is the key to major achievements. Real Madrid will remain as it is, and we have to win here no matter what happens.”

For his part, French star Kylian Mbappe dismissed rumors about his relationship with his Brazilian teammate Vinicius Junior and claims of tension in the dressing room. Mbappe said firmly: “Do you feel that something was not right last year? No, the situation is exactly the same as last year. We only have a different coach, but the atmosphere is the same.”

Real Madrid, which has won the continental title 15 times, is seeking to return to the European podium for the first time since 2024, amid significant pressure to deliver an exceptional season, particularly after two trophyless seasons without major titles and alongside the high-profile signing of Mbappe.