Real Madrid seeks to control the Madrid derby against Atletico

Madrid - AFP - Real Madrid manager Portuguese Jose Mourinho admitted that his team does not know how to control matches ahead of the anticipated "derby" against neighbors Atletico Madrid on Sunday, in the seventh round of the Spanish football league.

Ahead of Mourinho's first major test during his second stint as head coach, "Los Blancos" displayed offensive vitality, which the manager described as "feverish," but he acknowledged that his team is not adept at closing out matches against opponents.

Real Madrid is distinguished by its attacking duo of Brazilian Vinicius Junior and Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, along with Englishman Jude Bellingham, which practically forces the team to play at a high pace regardless of match conditions, a factor that may leave the team exposed defensively.

In a press conference, Simeone addressed the key factors in the match, stating: "They will have faster and more direct offensive transitions than us. They are strong and exploit this advantage."

Regarding the participation of his compatriot Julian Alvarez, he replied: "He will be with us. We will decide whether he starts as a starter or comes on as a substitute in the second half." Simeone also touched on Mourinho, saying: "I do not wish to talk about what happened several years ago. I have great respect for Mourinho; I admire him, and he knows how much I appreciate him."