Mourinho weighs in on Real Madrid and 2013

In a press conference, José Mourinho stated his goal for the New Year is "to win every single game that we play."  It is no secret that los Blancos did not have the very best start to their 2012-13 La Liga campaign, leaving many a Madridista (and football fan) to wonder – what is going on?  The team's failure to play up to expectations fueled speculative theories (see: rumors) such as locker room spats, player transfers, and possible terminations.  And in true PR fashion, the rumors have been addressed and put to rest with assurances, whether they were true or not.  Nevertheless, these assurances have put Real Madrid fans at ease... if only for a while.

 

Mourinho appeared before the press in a match preview, speaking of the fixture against Real Sociedad, the team from San Sebastian.  He had the following to say:

"It's a team whose fortunes are not at risk and this frees them to enjoy their game, to play more naturally and with less pressure.  They're at the top of their game, they don't have any injured or suspended players and they can turn up at their best moment both in terms of their play and their confidence and psychology, but we have to win.  Despite the fact that we have some kind of limitations, I have confidence in those that are going to play and those at the back are going to manage to play a good game with the support of the rest of the team because what's most important is wanting it."

The Portuguese manager went further on to discuss his plan for the second half of La Liga stating:

"I'm going to play La Liga as if I was in first place or only a few points behind the leader.  I'm going to focus on each game because there's no room for anyone to relax.  We have to face each match with that level of expectation that fortunately Real Madrid has because I don't see myself working without that level."

Real Madrid will play Real Sociedad Sunday, January 6 in a home match at the Bernabéu, with Iglesias Villanueva officiating the match.  Until then, keep calm and ¡Hala Madrid!

written by Gail Hidalgo