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Mourinho Surprised by Inter’s UCL Drought, Blames Fixture List

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho expressed surprise that Inter Milan have yet to win the Champions League, saying the club’s recent title drought is a mystery. During a pre‑match press conference before the Madrid‑Inter tie, Mourinho added that the fixture list might have been set by an Italian, hinting at a scheduling disadvantage. He praised Inter’s consistency over the last six years, noting the team’s style has remained unchanged from Conte to Inzaghi to Chivu. The Italian side entered the game after a 3‑2 victory over Napoli, with Lautaro Martínez scoring twice. Mourinho also highlighted the importance of strong play, citing Kylian Mbappé and Lautaro Martínez as key players for their respective clubs. He warned that three of Real Madrid’s players - Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga - will be suspended for the match. Mourinho said he was determined to win the Champions League game, contrasting it with the loss to Real Betis earlier in the season. He declined to comment on whether Trent Alexander‑Arnold could fill a midfield role, focusing instead on the team’s preparation for the upcoming fixture.

· Football Italia

The essential points

  1. 01Mourinho surprised that Inter Milan have yet to win the Champions League, calling the club’s title drought a mystery.
  2. 02He suggested the Champions League fixture list may have been set by an Italian, implying a scheduling disadvantage for Inter.
  3. 03Inter entered the match after a 3‑2 win over Napoli, with Lautaro Martínez scoring a brace.
  4. 04Three Real Madrid players - Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga - will be suspended for the game.
The full brief

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho expressed surprise that Inter Milan have yet to win the Champions League, saying the club’s recent title drought is a mystery. During a pre‑match press conference before the Madrid‑Inter tie, Mourinho added that the fixture list might have been set by an Italian, hinting at a scheduling disadvantage. He praised Inter’s consistency over the last six years, noting the team’s style has remained unchanged from Conte to Inzaghi to Chivu.

The Italian side entered the game after a 3‑2 victory over Napoli, with Lautaro Martínez scoring twice. Mourinho also highlighted the importance of strong play, citing Kylian Mbappé and Lautaro Martínez as key players for their respective clubs. He warned that three of Real Madrid’s players - Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga - will be suspended for the match.

Mourinho said he was determined to win the Champions League game, contrasting it with the loss to Real Betis earlier in the season. He declined to comment on whether Trent Alexander‑Arnold could fill a midfield role, focusing instead on the team’s preparation for the upcoming fixture.