Real Madrid's strength of mind gives Mourinho confidence for Atletico derby

MADRID, Sept 19 : Jose Mourinho said the mental strength of his Real Madrid team gave him confidence heading into the derby clash at Atletico Madrid on Sunday despite problems with their game.

"In this second spell I've understood that it's getting more and more difficult to hear anything good about Real Madrid. It's not a problem to be conscious of our problems. But we are also conscious of the very good things we have in the team," Mourinho told a press conference on Saturday. 

"Alongside the quality it has, this team has a strength which is very significant, the strength of the group. This gives me confidence."

The city rivals are separated by two points after six LaLiga matches this season.

INCONSISTENT PERFORMANCES

The last Madrid derby that Mourinho took part in as manager was the 2013 Copa del Rey final, an historic victory for Atletico over Real at the Bernabeu.

Both sides will be seeking to set the tone for the early stages of the campaign, aware that last season's 5-2 victory for Atletico at the Metropolitano was a turning point in the trajectory of Xabi Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid.

"A derby always has something extra. Derbies are history, culture, passion from the fans, players, coaches," said Mourinho.

Los Blancos have just one victory in their last seven LaLiga trips to the Metropolitano and, with Barcelona already three points ahead of them, anything other than a win risks that gap widening. The Catalan side face Sevilla later on Saturday.

Mourinho has started his second stint at Real Madrid with six wins from seven games, but inconsistent performances have sown seeds of concern about the evolution of his team.

In spite of Diego Simeone's longevity at Atletico, his side are similarly in the early stages of finding