After another lackluster performance, Mourinho summarized it as only he knows how

Real Madrid finished another preparation match for the new season this Saturday, ending in a 2:2 draw against Fiorentina. Los Blancos were leading by two goals, but lost the advantage against the Italian team, while Jose Mourinho continues to test players, try combinations, and implement his ideas in a squad that is still far from complete.

Real started with seven players from the first team and four youngsters, with Trent Alexander-Arnold again serving in a hybrid role between a third center-back and a midfielder. Arda Guler took responsibility for managing the attacking game, Denzel Dumfries made his debut, and 18-year-old Juan Martinez and 19-year-old Mario Rivas started together in the center of the defense.

Endrick put Real ahead in the 12th minute, following a move that began with a pass from Guler and continued with a cross from Alvaro Carreras. The Brazilian striker controlled the ball well and finished with a half-volley with his left foot. In the 24th minute, the high pressure of Los Blancos led to another ball interception, and Camavinga and Guler were involved in the move that ended with a goal by Alexis Syria.

However, Fiorentina did not give up. Roberto Piccoli narrowed the gap before the break, and in the second half, the Italians increased the pace and applied higher and more aggressive pressure. In the 58th minute, Nicolo Fagioli assisted Moise Kean, who used his physical advantage, beat Rivas to the ball, and headed in the equalizer.

After the match, Mourinho described his team's performance in a picturesque way:

"I saw a Real Madrid with three faces: fresh, tired, and very tired. The fresh team played excellently. The score at halftime was only 1:2, but based on the quality of the game, we could have been leading by three or four goals."

Mourinho added:

"Then the game became more physical, they put pressure on us, and then the tired team appeared. Playing inside the box with two youngsters like Juan and Mario against a beast like Kean is not simple. They played great, but physically they are not yet at that level."

It was the final minutes that provided the coach with one of the main bright spots:

"The third face, which I liked very much, was that of a completely tired team that still managed to remain a team and regain control. Dumfries and Endrick had only trained for three days and played more than 70 minutes. It was a huge and very significant effort for me."

Mourinho also complimented the youngsters who received an opportunity:

"Real Madrid is Real Madrid, even in friendly matches. Juan and Mario showed that they have a fantastic future and a lot of quality. Carlos Aspe trained with us for only one hour and already received an opportunity to understand what it means to play for Real Madrid."

Despite the satisfaction with the work being done at the camp, the coach admitted that the absence of a large part of the squad makes it difficult for him. "I am very happy with the work of the players from the first day, but worried that the others are not here yet. I would like to have three weeks with everyone, but it is not possible. Vinicius, Brahim Diaz, and Bernardo Silva will arrive on Monday, and gradually we will get the rest back."

When asked how it felt to return and coach Real Madrid, Mourinho replied briefly: "I haven't felt anything yet. We are waiting for the really good matches." In a week, Real will hold another preparation match against Ferencvaros, hoping that by then, a wider and more cohesive squad will be available to the coach.