Federico Valverde revealed that Real Madrid failed to carry out Jose Mourinho’s instructions during the second half against Inter, despite securing a 2-1 Champions League victory.

Valverde calls for more self-criticism after Real Madrid’s win over Inter

Federico Valverde has admitted Real Madrid failed to properly follow Jose Mourinho’s instructions during their 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

Madrid secured three points at the Bernabeu, but Inter caused serious problems after half-time and forced Thibaut Courtois into several important saves.

Valverde revealed that Mourinho had clearly told the players how to manage the match. They needed to keep possession, remain calm and control the rhythm.

“He told us very clearly that we had to keep the ball more and stay calm, but we didn’t do that,” Valverde said.

Real Madrid lost control after half-time

Valverde felt Madrid’s biggest problem was their inability to manage the game once it became increasingly open.

They attacked too quickly, lost possession and gave Inter repeated opportunities to counter.

Instead of controlling the ball, Madrid continued searching for another goal and placed growing pressure on their own defence.

Valverde admitted the team had failed to play the football Mourinho had demanded.

Valverde calls for greater self-criticism

The Uruguay international refused to hide behind the victory.

“We have to be more critical of ourselves,” Valverde said.

For him, winning cannot erase the problems in Madrid’s performance. The players must improve their decision-making and recognise when patience is more important than constant attacking.

Mourinho’s post-match assessment was similar. The Portuguese coach admitted he disliked how chaotic the second half became.

Mourinho says the game became ‘crazy’

Mourinho suggested Madrid could have won by a huge margin, perhaps 5-1 or 6-1, but the open nature of the match also created the possibility of a wild 6-6 draw.

That was exactly the type of game he wanted his players to avoid.

Madrid created chances, but they also repeatedly left themselves exposed. For a coach who values control and tactical discipline, the performance was far from ideal.

Did Real Madrid players ignore Mourinho?

Valverde’s comments may generate dramatic headlines, but there is no evidence that the players deliberately challenged Mourinho or that a dressing-room rebellion exists.

He was discussing tactical execution, not questioning the manager’s authority.

His admission should be viewed as collective self-criticism. In fact, it supports Mourinho’s message that Madrid need to become more disciplined and consistent.

Valverde understands Bernabeu frustration

Valverde also acknowledged the frustration among Real Madrid supporters, with sections of the Bernabeu crowd expressing their displeasure during the match.

He accepted that the fans have the right to demand more from the team.

Winning alone does not remove the need for Madrid to improve their performance and become clearer in their approach.

Courtois rescued Madrid

Inter created enough danger to force Courtois into several important interventions.

Valverde was recognised for his own performance, but he argued that the Belgian goalkeeper deserved even greater credit.

Courtois repeatedly prevented Inter from turning their pressure into goals, earning praise from Mourinho after the final whistle.

Victory cannot hide Madrid’s problems

Madrid began their Champions League campaign with three points, while Kylian Mbappe and Valverde both scored.

However, the main discussion after the match focused on how much control the team surrendered.

Valverde’s comments matter because one of Madrid’s leaders openly admitted that the tactical plan was not followed well enough.

Mourinho’s next challenge is clear

Mourinho’s players understand what he wants. The challenge is executing those instructions consistently when opponents increase the pressure.

Madrid cannot afford to become chaotic every time an opponent pushes forward.

Against stronger teams later in the Champions League, similar mistakes could prove far more costly.

Valverde sends warning despite victory

Ultimately, Valverde’s comments were not an attack on Mourinho. They were almost the opposite.

He admitted the coach had given the correct instructions, but the players failed to carry them out.

Madrid escaped with victory against Inter, but Valverde knows performances like this cannot become normal.

The players know what Mourinho wants. Now they must show it on the pitch.