The Portuguese coach says Leipzig’s victory over PSV offers a better measure of their threat than their 6–1 defeat to Bayern Munich as Madrid prepare for Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
José Mourinho has warned Real Madrid not to underestimate RB Leipzig because of their heavy defeat to Bayern Munich, insisting that the German side’s victory over PSV Eindhoven provides a more relevant indication of the challenge awaiting his team.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu, Mourinho said Madrid must prepare for the Leipzig side that defeated PSV rather than the team that suffered a 6–1 loss to Bayern.
“Leipzig? We don’t expect to see the Leipzig vs Bayern (6-1 loss), we expect the team that beat PSV,” Mourinho said.
The Real Madrid manager also pointed to his team’s recent form, noting that they had won three matches in a short period and produced an impressive all-round performance in their most recent victory.
“We won three matches in a few days and I thought we played very well in our last win. It was a very good all-round performance,” he added.
Despite Madrid’s winning run, Mourinho stressed that his players must maintain their concentration and continue working rather than assume another victory is guaranteed.
The fixture presents Leipzig with an opportunity to strengthen their Champions League qualification prospects, while Madrid will be looking to build on their recent momentum in the competition.
Mourinho’s comments underline his determination to keep his players focused on Leipzig’s strengths rather than allow the visitors’ defeat in Munich to create a false sense of security.