Mourinho Praises RB Leipzig — Konaté Looks Forward to the Match

José Mourinho warns his team about RB Leipzig. “Leipzig isn’t the same team that lost to Bayern Munich. It’s the team that beat PSV, wants to pick up three points, and aims to qualify for the next round,” said the Real Madrid coach at the press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match in Madrid (9:00 p.m./DAZN). 

The match on Matchday 3 of the Champions League group stage won’t be a walk in the park. “We’ve won three games in quick succession. We won the last one with a strong performance. We played a very well-rounded game. Just because we’ve won three doesn’t mean we’ll win the fourth,” said Mourinho, who had already announced beforehand that Vinícius Junior would play. 

When asked whether the lightning-fast Brazilian, who is currently suspended in the league, is untouchable, Mourinho replied: “The crest is untouchable. I don’t like this concept of an untouchable player. It’s not his status, the captain’s armband, the number of years he’s played at the club, or his price tag that make him untouchable. What makes a player untouchable is his performance on the field.” 

Konaté Looks Forward to Facing His Former Club

Ibrahima Konaté is also eagerly anticipating the match, as he’s set to face his former teammates following his stint with Liverpool FC. “Tomorrow’s game is very special for me because I’m playing against my old club,” said the center back, clearly stating the Royals’ goal: “If we win the first three games, we’ll be in a good position to advance directly to the Round of 16. Tomorrow is a very good opportunity for us.”