Mourinho says Real Madrid lack match control ahead of Atletico clash

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho acknowledged on Tuesday that his side has yet to master the art of controlling matches as they prepare for Sunday’s La Liga encounter. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the fixture, Mourinho said the team “still does not know how to dictate the tempo” and that this shortcoming has been evident in recent games where the squad has struggled to maintain sustained pressure on opponents.

The admission comes after a sequence of three league matches in which Real Madrid failed to secure a win, recording two draws and a narrow defeat. Mourinho indicated that training sessions will focus on improving possession, transitional play and defensive organization to better manage the flow of the game. With the upcoming clash against a direct rival poised to influence the top‑of‑the‑table race, the coach emphasized the need for a more commanding performance to restore the club’s competitive edge.