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Jose Mourinho is not trying to assemble a perfect first-choice XI ahead of his first competitive match in charge of Real Madrid. Instead, he is focused on selecting the strongest team currently available.

That was the clear message from the Portuguese manager before Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol, as he discussed a wide range of topics including injuries, competition within the squad, Vinicius Jr.’s contract renewal, the possibility of signing another midfielder and the task of making Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham click together.

Mourinho also made his position crystal clear when asked what would count as a successful first season back at the Santiago Bernabeu: Real Madrid must not end the campaign without winning silverware.

Mourinho’s new era at Real Madrid starts against an Espanyol side that has already begun the new La Liga season on a positive note.

The Portuguese coach admitted that his team will be up against a well-drilled opponent, especially because Espanyol have benefited from continuity under the same manager.

“They’re a good side. Teams that have had the same manager for a long time are well-prepared, with established routines and dynamics.

“They play well and with ambition. I really enjoyed the first match, and there they are – with three points, three goals scored, none conceded, and the fans are happy. We’re ready for whatever we’re going to face.”

Real Madrid are set to take on Espanyol in La Liga.

Mourinho acknowledged that Real Madrid’s build-up has been anything but simple, with players joining pre-season at different points.

“There’s the challenge of starting with different groups. There are players who’ve had 36 training sessions and six matches, and others who’ve played a few matches and had five training sessions.

“If you ask me whether I’d like another week, yes. But we’re fed up with friendlies.

“We want proper matches. The players injured last season have been out for a long time and I don’t expect them to be back in two or three weeks.

“The only player missing from this match who wasn’t injured last season is Endrick. Tchouameni is fine.

“He has to train today, tomorrow and on Sunday to speed up his recovery. He’s arrived in a condition that doesn’t allow him to be fit for this match.”

The Real Madrid boss also commented on new signing Yan Diomande after the youngster made a strong public statement of commitment.

“Without taking it literally, it’s an expression I like. I’d prefer him to die for the team, for Real Madrid. But I know what he means in relation to the squad and the club when he uses my name.

“Words are easy. It’s harder to put them into action. Diomande’s words are no different from what I see in everyone else.

“We’re not the perfect squad – there’s no such thing. I don’t think I won’t face problems; they’ll come. But fundamentally, the squad is strong. Diomande’s message applies to everyone.”

Mourinho was also asked about the earlier issue involving Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde. Rather than revisit it, the manager said he considers the matter settled.

“I’ve arrived with a great deal of information. I’ve come to know many things, not just that Tchouameni–Federico situation. I’ve decided to start from scratch – obviously from a privileged position.

“I haven’t felt the need to speak to Tchouameni. I’ve seen that things are back to normal. If you were to tell me that, without knowing about the problem, I could see how they interact, you couldn’t even imagine what happened last season.

“They’ve told me I didn’t need to speak up, that I shouldn’t exert any influence in order to restore peace. It’s not about peace; it’s about normality, friendship and cooperation. It’s as if nothing had happened.”

Getting the best out of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will be one of Mourinho’s biggest responsibilities.

The Portuguese manager feels all three have the talent to flourish together, even if achieving the right tactical balance will take work.

“They’re incredible players. Top players get frustrated when they play alongside players who aren’t top-class. Tactically, it can be more difficult to get them to gel.

“Ancelotti has found the perfect Brazilian partner for Vini, Deschamps for Kylian, and Tuchel for Jude. It’s harder to find the perfect Mourinho-style fit for all three.

“They have to do it because they believe he can make it work. They’re top-class players. Their positions aren’t incompatible. We’re going to have a great season with them.”

Mourinho also welcomed Vinicius’s decision to renew his Real Madrid contract. For him, the key point was always whether the player truly wanted to stay at the club.

“It wasn’t a surprise. When they explained it to me, my first question was, ‘Does he want to stay or not?’

“They told me he wants to stay, and I was relieved. I don’t want to say whether he’s among the top 10. But he’s one of the best, and the best have to be here.”

When asked about the Brazilian’s previous difficulties, Mourinho insisted that he is only concerned with what he has seen since arriving.

“I don’t know the reason why he’s had some problems in the past. I don’t know. What I see is that he wants to win.

“He knows what I want, without a doubt. I think he’s happy, that he’s comfortable with how we prepare for matches, and he’s wanted to win from day one.

“Before he signed, every little conversation ended with ‘we’re going to improve, we’re going to win again, we’re going to be happy’. Always on that basis.”

One of the biggest talking points before the Espanyol game is Mourinho’s first starting XI at Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach, though, had no intention of giving anything away.

“Mou’s first starting eleven… Let’s see who’s got the best connections. Let’s see who’s got the best inside information. The players already know who’s playing.

“I don’t have an ideal starting eleven. I want to keep the door open to competition.

“If we’re talking about top-class players – Trent, Dumfries, Cucurella, Carreras… – it’s not possible to think that one will play 50 games and another 10. It’s not possible. We’ve got a lot of quality.”

The same thinking applies to the transfer market as well. Although another midfielder could improve the squad, Mourinho does not feel Real Madrid are urgently lacking in that department.

“I don’t think we’re short of players. A midfielder would be the icing on the cake. When you’ve got Tchouameni, Bernardo, Arda…

“In time, he’ll be able to play in those positions. We don’t have a problem.”

Mourinho also confirmed that academy players will be named on the bench.

“Tomorrow, Cestero, Ciria and Rivas will be on the bench. We don’t have a particularly large squad.

“These are players who’ve been out for a long time. I like to work with a maximum of 22 players. They’re filling these vacant spots and working very well with us.”

Finally, he explained why former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira was selected to join his coaching staff.

“At every club, I like to have someone from within the organisation. During my first spell, it was Aitor, now a world champion. I thought of players from my time at Real Madrid who fit the profile I like.

“Xabi, a top-class coach; Alvaro, a top-class coach; Modric, who’s still playing; Granero, a businessman. I narrowed it down to two or three names.

“The first time I spoke to him, I got a good feeling. He told me, ‘If I have to go tomorrow, I’ll go tomorrow.’ He understands the mindset,” he concluded.