Mourinho trusts all referees as he prepares for Roma

Mourinho told me that "I trust all referees" when he started the press conference in which he avoided commenting on the controversy that arose after the victory against Villarreal. The Real Madrid manager, José Mourinho, focused his words on the upcoming Champions League clash against Roma, reminding supporters that just watching "only the first minute" of the match against Villarreal is enough to understand his stance.

Attitude towards the refereeing controversy

The Portuguese declared that he has nothing to comment on Vinícius's dismissal for grabbing Saliba's hair in the play preceding a goal disallowed by VAR. He assured that his only discomfort is knowing the referee's name three weeks in advance, but otherwise he maintains full confidence in the referees.

Criticism of the press and view of Serie A

Mourinho criticised the lack of clarity of the Spanish press and praised the Italian one, saying that "the Italian press is more interested in the match". He noted that Inter and Roma are the two strongest teams in Italy and that Roma comes motivated to play another Champions match at the Olimpico, with a fanbase that "plays" and does not just watch.

Barcelona, Atlético and Villarreal start second Champions League round

Real Madrid's situation before the clash

Real Madrid approaches the match against Roma intending to add their second Champions League victory, after having debuted with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan. In LaLiga, the white team has suffered two defeats, against Betis and Atlético Madrid.

The manager confirmed several absences: Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo are injured, Ferland Mendy is not registered for the competition, and Éder Militao has been ruled out for this match.

Finally, Mourinho recalled that his stint at the "Loba" between 2021 and 2024 earned him the fans' affection, and reiterated that the club's and players' interests are always above his own.