Perez: Mourinho needed time to understand Real

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez feels Jose Mourinho needed a bit of time to realise what it means to be part of the La Liga club.

The Portuguese tactician joined Madrid from Inter Milan in 2010 and initially struggled to cope with the fans’ critical attitude toward the team.

However, Perez believes Mourinho now understands the expectations at Real are sky-high.

“Mourinho has taken a while to understand what Real Madrid is about. He was surprised by the club, the people and the fact that the fans whistle at the players and at him,” Perez told the club’s assembly.

“He emphasised the fact that he had been at several clubs, in Portugal, Italy and England, but I told him that this is Real Madrid – a truly unique club.

“The club’s expectations are much higher than those of other clubs and if things don’t go to plan on the pitch, the fans start to whistle.

“Some players who have come here have failed to understand this concept.”

Real Madrid are preparing for Sunday’s La Liga match at home against Deportivo La Coruna.