Mourinho chasing more silverware

Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid won’t prioritise any competition as they continue to fight for all trophies on offer this season.

Mourinho doesn’t plan to rest players in his bid to try and defend the La Liga title, as well as progress through a difficult UEFA Champions League group, which includes English champions Manchester City, Eredivisie winners Ajax and German title holders Borussia Dortmund.

“Thank God I have always got to manage the greatest teams therefore I cannot accept discarding competitions,” the former Inter Milan manager said.

“No way can I accept this.

“I cannot have my team fighting for a Champions League final spot being 15 points from the top in La Liga so of course I won’t gift the Copa del Rey to anyone so we can be more rested for La Liga three days later.

“We have three competitions at stake and we’ll make the most of them. That’s why we now have the Supercopa there amongst our titles.

“It looks nice doesn’t it and it’s important as well and we are competing in a unique Champions League group.”

Real have defeated both Ajax and Manchester City in their opening two Group D fixtures and they now travel to Germany on matchday three as they prepare to do battle with Dortmund, who were beaten 2-1 at the hands of fierce rivals Schalke on Saturday.

Dubbed the ‘Group of Death’ prior to the tournament, Mourinho is aware his side doesn’t have the luxury to keep one eye on the domestic front compared to other Champions League participants but is confident they can progress to the knockout rounds.

“If you look at the other groups looks like there are teams playing ‘friendlies’,” he said. “Or there are even group champions in waiting, playing their Champions League fixture’s in a relaxed manner so they can focus better on their leagues.

“But our group is outstanding. We were lucky to start well and closing the group stage at home.

“Nine points at the Bernabeu are the ones we’ll fight for, but we all know they won’t be enough in this group and our next three fixtures are Dortmund away, Dortmund at home and (Manchester) City away, that’s amazing.

“But we are motivated, people want it, they like it, so do I, never mind how difficult it will be.”

The Portuguese tactician also called for patience regarding summer signing Luka Modric, who is still adapting to life at the Bernabeu since making the switch from Tottenham.

“I hope though, in fact I know it won’t happen, but I really hope people leave (Luka) Modric alone,” he said.

“He’s young, they should let him grow as a player. Not individually but as a team player.”