From José Mourinho’s press conference on Monday (compiled from a variety of sources):
Emergency goalkeepers
We already know who will be the goalkeeper if we lose both of ours in one game. It will be Sergio Ramos or Khedira. That situation has happened to me twice and it could happen again. (Jokingly) Sergio Ramos and Khedira are going to start training in the goal each week just in case.
His strikers
The perfect striker is one that combines Higuaín and Benzema in one footballer. Since that’s not possible, both have to improve. They’re only 22 or 23 years old, and have 10 years left in their careers, and a lot to learn. It’s difficult to find players with more potential in Europe. But they have to work. I’m happy with both of them. If I speak of a third, it’s because I’m concerned about injuries.
Operation “exit”
We have 26 players and there are only 25 spots. Someone has to leave. I promised those players with contracts that I would respect them. They’re all the same and have the same rights…
For me, the decision to leave has a lot to do with the perception of the player himself that he has limited playing possibilities. I hope that it will be the players themselves who ask me for a different solution for their professional life and choose another club so that they can play more minutes.
The cantera
The cantera is worth it, but sometimes you have to wait for the right moment. A youth team player can’t put out a fire if he’s not prepared to do so, because he’s just beginning, and if he’s not prepared, it becomes the end of the player. We’ve tried out eight in the pre-season and that was an important signal. But there are things to improve. Mateos, a player that I like, could be there against Mallorca, but he can’t be in the line-up because he’s older than is allowed. But there are ones that I like. Their time will come.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a finished product that plays with its eyes closed. Their footballers can arrive from vacation, train three days and play like a team. Madrid is not like that. They have a new coach, a new philosophy and six new players. But with all due respect for Mallorca, Madrid can create a lot of difficulties even if it’s not playing at 100 percent. In any case, we need time.
Madrid
I only know the tranquil Real Madrid, not the one after losing games. Right now, we’re not feeling the pressure of competition. Everything is calm at the moment and things are going well, but this is not the natural habitat of the club. I need to be competing. I believe I’m going to like it here even though Real Madrid has great ambitions and that means great responsibilities for us. But I like that, and I’m sure that I’ll be fine.