Real Madrid rounded off their pre-season in style with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Schalke at the Veltins Arena.
The victory ensured Jose Mourinho’s side ended their preparations unbeaten, and the Portuguese was in a positive mood as he reflected on the outing and the state of his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV (h/t Diario AS), Mourinho touched on the team’s progress, the impact of his new arrivals, and the excitement building among supporters.
The coach was encouraged by what he saw against Schalke, describing it as an ideal final rehearsal before competitive action begins.
“Positive. Positive as a team. Positive individually,” Mourinho said.
“Obviously, some players arrived later and don’t yet have the same intensity as the guys who came on the first day.
“Those who started on the first day have had 30 training sessions and 6 matches; those who arrived now have had three or four training sessions. There’s obviously a difference in rhythm, intensity, and stamina.”
He added: “But tactically, the ideas are gradually taking shape. The players have superior quality, incredible quality. We’re working very well as a team, with and without the ball.”
“I think it was a very good test, a very good final training session before the real work begins, because the real work is competing, fighting for points. That’s what we love, and we’re right there on the verge of it.”