Mourinho happy with Real's performance
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said he was pleased with his team's performance against Ajax in the Champions League, despite several players missing simple scoring chances at the Santiago Bernabeu.
An own goal from Ajax midfielder Vurnon Anita and a close-range finish from Gonzalo Higuain led Mourinho's side to a 2–0 victory. Real produced 35 finishes in a game with a scoreline that could have been much less flattering for the Dutch team.
"We played very well, we pressed a lot and did not let them play as they like," said Mourinho, who added that his team would have missed less chances on another day. "One day some poor team will pay for all these chances we missed."
The Portuguese's team has only managed to score one goal in two league matches so far, but Mourinho, who won three titles with Inter Milan last season, places a heavier emphasis on results than on goals — especially in the group stages of the Champions League.
"We lacked efficiency, but we won because we dominated the game. The result could be higher, but at this stage the goals are not as important as in the knock-outs," he said.
Pressure is on in Madrid
Real's new manager is widely expected to bring trophies to the Spanish capital this season. Real have not won a trophy since Fabio Capello led the team to first place in La Liga in the 2007-2008 season.
Cristiano Ronaldo, acquired by the Spanish giants for an astronomical sum of £80 million last summer, is expected to contribute to Real's successes as much as Mourinho. But despite the pressure on his winger, who has yet to score this season, Mourinho said
he is not worried about a slump in the star's form.
"I'm not concerned that Cristiano has not scored. The goals will come. He has worked very well and can score a couple of goals in any game. You must let Cristiano and Higuain be; many coaches would like to have these forwards. Goals will come."
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