Risks pay off for Mourinho

Jose Mourinho provided some insight into his tactics after Real Madrid came from behind to win 2-1 away to Mallorca in La Liga.

Real were trailing 1-0 in Saturday’s match when Mourinho opted to remove fullback Marcelo in favour of Fabio Coentrao, while another defender, Alvaro Arbeloa, made way for attacking midfielder Kaka.

Holding player Lassana Diarra came off for striker Gonzalo Higuain at the start of the second half, and it was the Argentina international who levelled the scores at 1-1 in the 72nd minute.

Jose Callejon struck the winner for the visitors with five minutes remaining, and Mourinho revealed he already had instructions prepared for how the team should reorganise if they snatched a second goal.

“I had the note I gave Pepe ready in case we scored a second goal,” Mourinho said.

“We had to take risks in the second half to win and the note specified the changes we would have to make if we scored again.”

“I know it’s hard to communicate things when spirits flare and the note specified the changes, with Callejon falling back to the right back position to balance out our game.”

“I replaced Marcelo because I wanted to use three defenders against an opponent with two wingers and a centre forward. I opted for three fast players: Fabio, Sergio (Ramos) and Pepe.”

“Many times, one has to replace players for tactical reasons, not because they did badly.”

Mourinho paid tribute to a stubborn Mallorca team, who appeared to be on course for a famous victory during much of the contest.

“We faced a team with a great coach (Joaquin Caparros) that organised itself perfectly in defence,” he said.

“They knew what our strengths and our style are.”

“They were very focused and all their men played together waiting for a counterattack. I think they had a fantastic first half. You sometimes have to credit your opponent.”

The victory leaves league leaders Real eight points clear of champions Barcelona, who play Real Betis on Sunday.