Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho says he gives his current crop of players 10 out of 10 for motivation.
In an interview with United States television channel Fox, the Portuguese revealed the desire amongst his squad and how he feels it will be almost impossible to better last season’s domestic achievements.
“We are preparing intensely because we know perfectly well it is not going to be easy.
“The squad is almost complete and we are talking about very special players, some of whom are up there with the best in the world.
“Their capacity to motivate themselves for the challenge ahead does not surprise me and I give them 10 out of 10 for that.”
The former Porto, Chelsea and Inter boss did not want to comment on whether he preferred to win the Champions League or La Liga, although he feels the records broken in Spain last term would be very difficult to surpass.
“I know there is lot of passion among the Madrid fans for the Champions League, but all we want to do is win titles,” he explained.
“In my opinion, to win La Liga with the records we broke last year was something truly difficult and virtually impossible to repeat.”
Without mentioning any names, Mourinho intimated that he thought at least one of his players should be in line for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
“My idea is clear. Football is a team game. We have won a very important title and did so in spectacular fashion.
“Those that contribute to the small or large details in a great championship team are the main candidates.”
