José Mourinho offers condolences over the death of Jesús de Miguel

Real Madrid head into the fourth matchday of the Champions League phase carrying nine points from nine, yet manager José Mourinho used his pre-match press conference in Athens to pivot away from purely athletic metrics and address a tragedy that has shaken Spanish football. Speaking ahead of the fixture against AEK Athens, elcorreo.com reported that the Portuguese coach offered his condolences following the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, while also remembering Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono in a very complicated moment.

Mourinho extends support after the death of Jesús de Miguel

The footballing world has reeled from the passing of Jesús de Miguel. During his media duties in the Greek capital, Mourinho addressed the solemn atmosphere surrounding the sport. Muy impactante. Es duro, es triste, Mourinho stated, offering his full support to the family and friends of the late Tenerife striker.

Beyond the mourning family, Mourinho specifically highlighted the plight of Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono. Owono was involved in the action on the pitch that resulted in De Miguel suffering a cardiac arrest. Debe ser muy duro. Triste para todos, the manager noted, describing a scenario that has left the keeper in a complicated emotional space.

A demanding trip to Athens and the league phase reality

Shifting focus to the athletic objectives at hand, Mourinho tempered expectations despite his side’s start in Europe. Real Madrid arrive in Greece having collected nine points, but the manager insisted that qualification remains a work in progress. Estamos cerca de clasificarnos para el playoff pero todavía lejos de hacerlo directamente para octavos. Necesitamos puntos, hay que jugar serio contra un equipo fuerte, principalmente en su estadio, Mourinho warned journalists.

The historical precedent in the Greek capital adds weight to his caution, as libertaddigital.com reported that Mourinho reminded his squad that Real Madrid have won only once in eight matches in Athens. El hecho de que el Real Madrid, el rey de Europa, solo haya ganado una vez en Atenas de ocho partidos tiene significado, he observed, adding that the white shirt acts as a motivational boost for every opponent they face.

Evolution over turning points and comparisons

When pressed by reporters on whether a comeback victory against Roma earlier in the campaign served as a turning point, Mourinho rejected the framing in favor of growth. Creo más en el proceso que propiamente en el momento. Nos conocemos cada vez mejor con cada experiencia, he explained. Similarly, the coach batted away comparisons to his initial tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu. He noted that while his current squad boasts potential, the other team won many titles and his current team has not won anything yet.

Asked about his personal pursuit of a third Champions League title with a third different club, Mourinho kept his feet firmly planted in the present. Sería la tercera con tres clubes diferentes, y conseguirlo con el club más grande del mundo, pero me gusta hablar de cosas reales y no hipotéticas, y de momento no tenemos los puntos ni para hablar de octavos de final, he responded.

Fede Valverde’s tactical utility as captain

Addressing roster management and positional flexibility, Mourinho evaluated the utilization of Fede Valverde as a lateral. While acknowledging that the squad was constructed with two natural right-backs and Valverde designated for the central midfield, the coach praised the Uruguayan’s leadership as captain. Lo veo como un jugador importantísimo de este equipo. Como capitán, es una responsabilidad diferente y que le hará hacer lo que sea necesario por sus compañeros, Mourinho said, confirming that the player will continue to fill gaps where the team requires him.

More on Jesús: Jesús 'Demi' de Miguel dies at 30 after professional football career · Jesús de Miguel Dies: Tenerife Forward Passes Away Following Pitch Collision · Jesús de Miguel dies at 30 after collision and cardiac arrest