Mourinho says he would like Atletico and Barcelona both to drop points

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has said he would prefer both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to lose this weekend, while acknowledging that this is not possible. His comments came as Madrid prepare for a demanding away trip to Valencia in LaLiga.

A blunt view of the title clash

Speaking to the media at Ciudad Real Madrid, Mourinho was asked about the upcoming meeting between Atletico and Barcelona, which is expected to have a major impact at the top of the table. The Portuguese coach said his ideal outcome was not realistic. "I'd like both to lose," Mourinho said on the club's official website. "It's not possible. It's very easy for me because someone will drop points."

He added that Madrid had won last week and that this weekend one or both of their rivals would also drop points. "Honestly, I don't care," he said.

Focus on consistency

Although Mourinho is watching his rivals closely, his main focus is on his own team. Madrid have recently been staging dramatic comebacks, but the coach wants his side to take more control of matches from the start.

He pointed to the 3-0 win over Racing Santander as the model for his squad. "It's better not to have to come from behind, better like in Santander, 0-3, and it could have been four or five by halftime," Mourinho said.

He acknowledged that coming from behind has its positives, including belief, togetherness, a strong bench and group motivation. However, he said there are also negatives that the team needs to address. "We need to work on finding more consistency in starting games well, like in Santander and practically all at our home. There's a lot to do."

A difficult test at Mestalla

Before any attention turns to the result between Atletico and Barcelona, Madrid must focus on their own fixture. They travel to Mestalla to face Valencia on Saturday evening, and winning there is rarely straightforward for visiting sides in LaLiga.

Madrid will look to start strongly and avoid falling behind early. A win in Valencia would keep them in the thick of the title race as Atletico and Barcelona prepare to meet.