Mourinho warns Real Madrid against losing control before Atletico derby

Real Madrid face one of their most important La Liga matches when they travel to Atletico Madrid for a highly anticipated derby on Sunday.

Matches of this nature can shape a season. They offer more than three points, with a direct rival providing a test of whether the work completed so far is delivering results or raising serious questions.

According to AS, Jose Mourinho’s most significant achievement since returning to Real Madrid has been uniting the squad. The team is now working towards a common goal, addressing one of its major weaknesses last season.

Mourinho is also trying to correct what he has described as the problem of “easy solutions” – moments when Real Madrid appear to have a game under control but fail to finish it off.

That issue nearly cost the side valuable points against Inter Milan and Elche, and to some extent against Rayo Vallecano as well.

There have been intense internal discussions at Valdebebas during preparations for the Atletico match. Mourinho has placed particular emphasis on maintaining control when games appear to be settled, as happened against Inter Milan and Elche.

The manager was clearly unhappy with Real Madrid’s second-half performance at the Estadio Martinez Valero, although he was also pleased with the spirit shown by his players during the match. Inside the club, there is an acknowledgment that several areas require attention.

Mourinho explained his concerns after the late victory over Elche.

“The problem is clear. There are matches that seem to be decided but are not. We have three, four or five chances to settle them, but we do not take them. Then it seems we move from feeling comfortable to losing control of the match,” he said.

“OK, we did not score, but the match was over… I do not know whether that is the right word, but it is something like complacency.”

He added: “I prefer to control matches and I do not like giving anything away. It is not about conceding goals, but about surrendering control of matches. Sometimes we may concede a goal that is out of context, but apart from that, against Elche, we lost control of the match.”

The intensity of Sunday’s derby at the Wanda Metropolitano is expected to make a repeat less likely, with tension likely to be present from the opening minute to the final whistle. Even so, Mourinho sees the issue as an important warning for the future.

The manager has quickly reversed the decline Real Madrid experienced over the previous two seasons and built a more united team. His messages have resonated collectively and individually, reflected in the players’ repeated praise for his work.

Diomande has shown no signs of frustration during the transition under Mourinho. Bellingham is producing some of the best football of his career, while Vinicius is more committed than ever to the team’s work on the pitch. Guler has reached his highest level, Ispe is performing well and Huijsen has regained his place.

Mourinho has the credibility of his players. Correcting what he himself called “complacency” is now a priority.