Susan Abayomi
Real Madrid manager, José Mourinho, has said he would rather his team avoid dramatic comebacks, popularly known as remontadas, despite acknowledging the positive qualities such victories bring to a squad.
The Portuguese tactician made the remarks while reflecting on Real Madrid’s recent ability to recover from difficult positions and secure late victories in crucial matches.
Mourinho admitted that staging comebacks demonstrates determination, mental strength, motivation and team unity, as well as respect for the club’s badge.
However, he stressed that such victories also expose the weaknesses of falling behind in matches, noting that he would prefer his team to establish control and secure victories without having to fight back.
“It’s better not to pull off remontadas. There are positive things about them: never giving up, mental strength, motivation, respecting the Real Madrid badge, squad unity and friendship. But there is a negative side: it means you were losing, and I would rather not be losing,” he said.
His comments followed Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over AEK Athens, sealed by Federico Valverde’s late winner in the 90th minute.
The victory further highlighted the Spanish giants’ ability to respond under pressure and turn seemingly difficult situations into positive results.
Real Madrid have also demonstrated similar resilience in previous European encounters this season, reinforcing their reputation for producing dramatic finishes.
Despite recognising the psychological benefits of such experiences, Mourinho maintained that consistent performances and taking control of matches remain more important than relying on last-minute recoveries.
For the experienced manager, the ultimate objective is not simply to demonstrate the ability to come from behind but to ensure his team does not put itself in such difficult positions in the first place.
