Mourinho: "We had a great reaction after their goal and won with poise"

Jose Mourinho told the media he always felt the team would end up winning the match despite Athletic Bilbao's opener.

"It's the first time my team leads the table with a five-point cushion for two weeks. We've made it to the next round in the Champions League and we have yet to play one more Copa del Rey match. If we lose the latter we'll be eliminated by Barcelona, not Alcorcon. We're not having a difficult time. We're in good health. The only thing that affects us right now is what happened to Oscar Ribot."

"Our opponent caused us many problems. They played well. Our defensive problems disappeared in the second half and we won with poise. I always felt we would end up winning the match. We made some mistakes in defence, but it's difficult to stop Llorente because he has special characteristics and De Marcos is an intelligent player. We had a great reaction after their goal and played very well."

"I'm not bothered by the whistles at me. It's not a problem. It's the first time it's ever happened to me. There's a first time for practically everything. Zidane was whistled at here. Ronaldo has been whistled at here. Cristiano, who is the latest Golden Boot winner, has also been whistled at. Why can't I? Zidane responded with his football, the same as Ronaldo and Cristiano. I work hard to be able to respond like they did some day, but there may come a day when the fans are sad. There have been no problems this week. I lost a match on Wednesday, but I was already thinking about tonight's game on Friday. We played and won. That's it."

"The only reason for the changes on the team is that I'm the coach and I make them. I don't have to justify them, especially to the press. It's my decision. Defeats have one parent, while victories have many. I'll say that again: many people are responsible for today."

"I'm a football professional who tries to defend Real Madrid with dignity and in full use of my capabilities. Real Madrid asked me to coach the team. The club's executives are the legal representatives of the supporters, and I have a fantastic relationship with the President, [Director General] Jose Angel and the Board. They know they'll never have a problem with me. I'm calm and just do my job."

"The team played very well. I may not always address the media when we win, but I always do when we lose. I do the same on the pitch. If the team wins I credit the rest, but I show myself when we lose."