The 'Special One's' Unexpected Praise
It's rare for Jose Mourinho to lavish praise on an opposition player, particularly during a competitive fixture, even if it's a pre-season friendly. The master tactician is known for his laser-sharp, often critical, assessments.
However, following a hard-fought 2-2 draw at the Woerthersee Stadion, Mourinho couldn't hide his admiration for Moise Kean. He singled out the Italian international's dominant display as a pivotal factor in the game's dynamic.
A Physical Mismatch
Kean, who arrived at the Viola from Juventus, proved a relentless menace for a rotated Real Madrid backline. His efforts were rewarded when he got on the scoresheet, playing a key role in helping Fiorentina claw back a two-goal deficit.
Mourinho openly admitted his young defenders struggled to contain the striker's power. He noted that while his prospects performed well technically, they were simply overwhelmed by the 26-year-old forward's peak physical condition, leading to his now-famous "monster" assessment.
Mourinho's Pre-Season Conundrum
Speaking after the final whistle, Mourinho offered a characteristically detailed breakdown of his team's performance. He observed three distinct phases based on their energy levels: "fresh, tired, and super tired."
While the "fresh" **Real Madrid** team played commendably, the game's intensity shifted dramatically. The
