Mourinho defends his style: “A defensive coach who won 100 points and scored 120‑something goals”

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho dismissed criticism of his tactics at a pre-match news conference ahead of the club's fixture with Racing Santander, insisting his game has not become inherently more defensive despite perceptions.

“Over time I have become more balanced, in the sense that I no longer care what others say. Criticism does not affect me. I am neither braver nor less brave, nor more defensive nor more offensive. The defensive coach from my first spell is the same one who won 100 points and scored 120‑something goals. I would like to be so defensive this season too, so that we score that many goals and win that many points,” Mourinho said, using his previous title-winning campaign to counter claims about his style.

The Portuguese coach also said he has grown more open to input from his backroom staff and pays closer attention to their observations during training sessions, a change he linked to his evolving approach as a manager.

Views on the Ballon d'Or

Asked about the recent Ballon d'Or result — in which Harry Kane beat Kylian Mbappé by 28 points — Mourinho praised both forwards for different reasons. He defended his own players while acknowledging Kane’s achievement.

“I had the privilege to work with Harry. He is a fantastic player, a great professional and an outstanding person. I am sorry that my player did not win the prize, but at the same time I am very happy for Harry. He is a player and a person who deserves that pleasure. On the other hand, Kylian is Kylian. He is unique. Only one player is the top scorer in the history of World Cups. There is no other,” the Portuguese coach added.

Mourinho’s remarks come as Real Madrid prepare to travel to Santander; his comments underline a willingness to confront public narratives about his tactics by pointing to the offensive output and points totals from his earlier successful seasons.

Photo: FK Real Madrid\/Fejsbuk