Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho 'comfortable' in high-pressure Champions League knockout rounds - 7M sport

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho 'comfortable' in high-pressure Champions League knockout rounds



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Posted Wednesday, February 16, 2011 by Goal.com

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho 'comfortable' in high-pressure Champions League knockout rounds

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted he relishes the pressure involved in playing the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

The Portuguese boss is preparing his team for their round of 16 clash with Lyon next week, and speaking in an interview with Real Madrid TV, he confessed the he enjoys the level of expectancy that is created at this stage of the competition.

He said: “I love the knockout rounds. I think people need to be strong mentally because the pressure is there at all times. Details make the difference, a small mistake can make the difference.

“When Real Madrid were knocked out by Lyon last season, I remember they had a chance to score a second goal, but Lyon tied and the game ended later.

"But this pressure is something that makes me feel comfortable. I do not feel pressure when the Champions League is coming, but an appetite for playing in it.”

Mourinho also feels that the Copa del Rey victories over Sevilla and Atletico Madrid have stood his side in good stead for the return of Europe’s premier competition.

He added: “The team has gained experience for the knockout rounds, the games against Sevilla and Atletico Madrid were not that different from a Champions League tie. This was good for the team in terms of experience, all of this has been good training.”

Mourinho had particular words of praise for defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

“I can say that Arbeloa is the type of player who may not impress people because he is not Maradona or Zidane, but he has never played a six, he is always a seven or nine," he concluded.



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