Ajax Amsterdam 1-4 Real Madrid
“I really enjoyed the way my team played, for 75 minutes I really really enjoyed it. The first 45 minutes and until Ajax’s goal we have full control of the match. We played against a different Ajax to usual, with a different philosophy, more defensive, and I think we played very well.”
Two matches and six points for Real Madrid in the group phase of the Champions League. Mourinho believes that the team “we have met our aim in a tough group, that is not to joke about where if you lose you will have difficulties. These two victories give us some room to be calm which is the most important thing.” He also praised Cristiano’s goals: “He has scored his goals and he knows that are important.”
The Portuguese coach summarised the key moments of the match against Ajax: “We played very well and whilst we were winning 2-0 we play a very good match. We had a great first half, we were well positioned and I liked it. After their goal, we lost the absolute control that we had and for 10 or 15 minutes the match looked dangerous. Then we got the third goal and everything returned to normal, Ajax thought that the match was over and we resumed control and got the fourth. It was a deserved victory and some very important points in such a tough group.”
Mourinho was clear when asked about the goal conceded from a corner: “It’s hard to comment, is a goal that you can’t concede, but I want to talk about inside, not outside. You have seen the same goal and I did. If you think there is much to correct then I don’t think you’re right. We are well organised.”
He also highlighted the hard work that the team has done to change the pattern of results: “Winning these consecutive matches is important for our aims and our confidence. The team was concentrated, playing at their best with good individual movement and as a team. We have played a very good match and we have to keep going. We could not win every match but with this attitude, commitment, and approach to matches, individual quality becomes collective quality and it is normal that the results come and that the team improves.” Has an upcoming football fixture taken your fancy and you would like to place a bet on the match? Why not come and check out all of the latest betting tips and odds on offer at bwinbetting.com!
The Real Madrid coach justified his decision to include Kaká in the starting line-up against Ajax: “Kaká was a starter and Özil a substitute, it is not something definitive. I felt that with his game, the opposition and the work he has done during the week it would be good for him to play against Ajax. The press thinks that every time a high status player is on the bench that it is a big problem, my job is think of those who will play and get the best performance. I have to choose eleven players and there is always someone who gets left out.” Finally, he praised Ramos’ actions: “He played well. He has played three very good matches after being on the bench against City. It is perfect me, it is what I was looking for.”
