Jose Mourinho, the manager of Real Madrid, recently expressed his astonishment at Inter Milan’s inability to secure another UEFA Champions League title in recent years. He believes that the squad possesses the talent and cohesion necessary to remain competitive on the European stage.
Mourinho’s Reflections Ahead of Clash with Inter
His comments came just a day ahead of a highly anticipated Champions League match between Real Madrid and Inter Milan, scheduled for early morning on September 9, 2026 (WIB). This match marks a significant encounter, as it reunites Mourinho with the club he famously led to European glory in 2010.
While it’s true that Inter has not lifted the Champions League trophy since Mourinho’s tenure, they have managed to reach the finals in both 2023 and 2025, showcasing their strong performance. Meanwhile, Real Madrid was hoping to bounce back from a recent defeat against Real Betis in their domestic competition.
Inter Milan’s Consistency Under Different Coaches
Mourinho praised Inter’s robustness as a footballing side over the past six years. He noted that despite managerial changes, including Antonio Conte, Simone Inzaghi, and Cristian Chivu, the team’s identity and playing style have remained intact. “Inter has been a formidable team for six years now,” Mourinho stated in an interview with Sky, as reported by Gazzetta. “From Conte to Inzaghi and Chivu, their game pattern hasn’t shifted. They are a side capable of performing with their eyes closed. The only surprising aspect in recent times is their failure to win the Champions League.”
In 2023, Inter lost the Champions League final to Manchester City by a narrow score of 0-1. Two years later, they faced a crushing defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, suffering a 0-5 loss in the finals of 2025.
When discussing his former player Cristian Chivu, Mourinho emphasized their strong relationship built over shared experiences. “He was once my player; we worked together through many highs and lows. Who would even question whether I have a bad relationship with him?” Mourinho remarked, as cited by Marca.
Heading into the clash, Mourinho acknowledged the necessity for Real Madrid to respond positively following their loss to Real Betis. He made it clear that he expects more than just a good performance from his team. “I want to win. I could state that I wish to play well, but I won’t settle for a solid game that ends in a loss as it did against Real Betis,” he firmly stated.
The upcoming match against Inter Milan presents Real Madrid with a crucial opportunity to regain their momentum in the Champions League.
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