Lautaro Martinez plays down Jose Mourinho reunion ahead of Real Madrid clash

Ahead of a high-stakes Champions League fixture, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has addressed the media regarding the reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho, who now leads Real Madrid. While acknowledging the Portuguese coach’s iconic status at the club following his historic treble, the forward insists the squad remains fully focused on the task at hand.

Mourinho is a coach who has won important titles at Inter. With all due respect to him, today we are focused on preparing for tomorrow’s match and doing our best. Lautaro Martinez

Martinez also spoke about the challenge posed by Real Madrid’s reinforced squad, specifically mentioning the threat of Kylian Mbappe. He noted that Madrid has significantly strengthened their defense and attacking depth, positioning themselves as tournament favorites. Inter, however, remains confident in their own tactical identity.

Reflecting on Inter's European journey, the striker emphasized the need to learn from past exits. He believes the team is growing in resilience, aiming to navigate the knockout stages with a clear mindset. For Martinez, while the Champions League is a major ambition, it is a goal to pursue rather than an all-consuming obsession.

Finally, the captain discussed his defensive responsibilities. He explained that his pressing and work rate come naturally as part of the team's tactical structure under current management. For him, the defensive phase is just as important as his attacking duties, depending on what the team needs to succeed.