Mourinho: Inter are a very strong team, but their failure to win the Champions League surprised me

Mourinho said in an interview with Sky Sport that Inter are a very strong team, but he was surprised that they have failed to win the Champions League in recent years.

In the high-profile match between Real Madrid and Inter Milan, Mourinho was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated figures. The manager who once made history with Inter will now appear again as an opponent. He spoke to Sky after the pre-match press conference.

Reporter: You won the Champions League with Inter at the Bernabeu, but this time you return as an opponent. Do you like this kind of opening?

Mourinho said: "This is my stadium now, but beyond that, because I currently work for Real Madrid, it has been my stadium since 2010. For Inter, it has always been an iconic place as well. Every match is important for everyone, but there are eight matches in total, and I hope to see Inter again afterward."

About this Inter team

Reporter: What do you think of this Inter team?

Mourinho said: "They are a very strong team. Over the past six years, from Conte to Inzaghi and then Chivu, they have continued with the same style of play, tactical system, and player profiles. They can play it almost with their eyes closed. Their maturity, quality, and physical strength are all very strong. The only thing that surprised me is that they have somehow not won the Champions League in these years."

About Chivu

Reporter: Are you surprised that Chivu was so mature from the start?

Mourinho said: "It is difficult to say. When they were players, their focus was on playing football. I had a lot of contact with him when he was coaching the youth team. He also went to Rome many times, and we spent time together. I could feel his passion, and this is something he truly loves. I have rarely seen retired players who later become coaches and still have such empathy for a job that is not easy. I know Cristian truly wants to do this, and I also hope to have a good exchange with him."

About Bellingham

Reporter: Bellingham's start reminds people of your early days at Real Madrid. Is his positional arrangement also the key to fitting all top players into the system?

Mourinho said: "The important thing is that the players feel comfortable. I think their ideas are more important than mine. Sometimes you have to make them understand that for the good of the team, they need to do things different from their own preferences, but the key is that everyone is in the right position."

Mbappe vs Lautaro

Reporter: How do you view the battle between Mbappe and Lautaro?

Mourinho said: "Mbappe and Lautaro are different, but they are both important to their respective teams. Even if we have three suspended players tomorrow, it will still be 11 against 11 on the pitch."

Speaking about midfield selections, Mourinho joked: "It is difficult, very difficult. I think the person who makes the schedule might be Italian..."

What is different about returning for a second spell?

Reporter: Do you think you are different in your second coaching spell at Real Madrid?

Mourinho said: "I am still the same person, I just look a little calmer."