​Mourinho talks Diomande, Tchouameni, Valverde, Vinicius, Mbappe, Bellingham, Khedira ahead of Espanyol vs Real MadridJose Mourinho is not putting a perfect starting XI together before his first competitive game in charge of Real Madrid. He is putting together the best team available.That was the message from the Portuguese coach ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol, where he addressed everything from injuries and squad competition to Vinicius Jr.’s renewal, a possible midfield signing and the challenge of getting Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham working together.Mourinho also made one thing very clear when asked what would define a successful first season back at the Santiago Bernabeu: Real Madrid cannot finish the campaign without silverware.Mourinho respects Espanyol, but…Mourinho’s Real Madrid era begins against an Espanyol side that has already made a positive start to the new La Liga season.The Portuguese coach acknowledged that his side face a well-prepared opponent, particularly because Espanyol have enjoyed continuity under the same manager. “They’re a good side. Teams that have had the same manager for a long time are well-prepared, with established routines and dynamics.“They play well and with ambition. I really enjoyed the first match, and there they are – with three points, three goals scored, none conceded, and the fans are happy. We’re ready for whatever we’re going to face.”Real Madrid are set to face Espanyol in La Liga. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)Mourinho admitted that Real Madrid’s preparation has been far from straightforward, with different players arriving at different stages of pre-season.“There’s the challenge of starting with different groups. There are players who’ve had 36 training sessions and six matches, and others who’ve played a few matches and had five training sessions.“If you ask me whether I’d like another week, yes. But we’re fed up with friendlies.“We want proper matches. The players injured last season have been out for a long time and I don’t expect them to be back in two or three weeks.“The only player missing from this match who wasn’t injured last season is Endrick. Tchouameni is fine.“He has to train today, tomorrow and on Sunday to speed up his recovery. He’s arrived in a condition that doesn’t allow him to be fit for this match.”On Diomande’s commitmentThe Real Madrid manager also addressed new signing Yan Diomande after the youngster’s strong public declaration of commitment.“Without taking it literally, it’s an expression I like. I’d prefer him to die for the team, for Real Madrid. But I know what he means in relation to the squad and the club when he uses my name.“Words are easy. It’s harder to put them into action. Diomande’s words are no different from what I see in everyone else.Mourinho has praised Diomande’s commitment. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)“We’re not the perfec