Mourinho says Real must copy Inter's stability for Champions League

On Tuesday the 8th, Real Madrid begin the 2026/27 Champions League group stage at the Santiago Bernabeu against Internazionale, and José Mourinho points out his side’s recent instability – three managers this season and no trophy in almost two years – versus Inter’s steady 3‑5‑2 set‑up under three coaches since 2019.

Real Madrid have endured a chaotic season. After Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Xabi Alonso, Álvaro Arbeloa and José Mourinho have all taken the helm, matching the number of coaches the Nerazzurri have used in the past seven seasons. The club has not won a Liga title in almost two years.

Inter’s model of continuity

Os Nerazzurri have kept a consistent technical staff since 2019, with Antonio Conte, Simone Inzaghi and Cristian Chivu all preferring the same 3‑5‑2 formation. Inter, known as Internazionale’, have collected two Campeões runner‑up medals and three Serie A titles since 2021, underscoring the payoff of stability.

Quando Mourinho spoke, he highlighted that Real must shift from a ‘problematic base’ to a ‘stable base’. Como Mourinho explained, “One thing is to work from a base of stability. Another is to work from a problematic base. And that is our case.”

The clash at the Santiago Bernabéu is the first step in Real’s plan to return to the summit of European football in the 2026/27 season. Mourinho stressed that the team wants to win every game and every competition.

When the two clubs meet, the contrast will be stark: a side seeking continuity versus one that has already built it. The outcome could show whether Real can adopt the Inter example and restore the stability that Mourinho deems essential.