Mourinho excited about Real Madrid's potential

Jose Mourinho refused to compare his previous Real Madrid squad to his current one, though he is excited about their potential and what they can achieve.

Mourinho has made a pretty successful return to Madrid, 13 years after his first stint in charge, and he is tasked with winning more trophies for Los Blancos after their struggles in recent seasons.

While they sit third in LaLiga – three points off leaders Barcelona – Madrid are in the mix at the top of the Champions League table, as one of five teams with a 100% record.

One of those victories was a 4-3 win over Mourinho's former side Roma, which started a five-game winning streak in all competitions, including a Clasico triumph in LaLiga.

But ahead of facing AEK Athens in the Champions League, Mourinho said he does not believe in turning points, though he is excited to see what the group's hard work brings in the future.

"I don't have that feeling [that the Roma win was a turning point]. The comeback had a positive impact from an emotional point of view, of course, but I don't think it was a turning point in terms of our play," Mourinho said.

"I believe more in the process; we get to know each other better and better. Every training session and match gives us the opportunity to improve; we keep discovering each other. Every experience we have makes us more aware of one another.

"This accumulation of work and experience is what makes teams better. I don't believe in turning points.

"I don't like to make comparisons [to his previous Madrid squad]. Not of players, not of teams, not of periods.

"We're talking about many years ago; I don't like it. This team has great potential, without a doubt. The other one had it too and won many titles; with me only three, but then they won for many years.

"This team hasn't won anything yet. We'll see what the future holds, but I'm very happy with the squad I have."

Mourinho has won 27 of his 39 Champions League games in charge of Madrid (69%), including all three this season.

His win percentage is now the highest of any manager with 10+ games in charge of the Spanish side in the competition (69.2%), just ahead of Carlo Ancelotti (68.8%).

However, AEK have only lost one of their previous four games against Madrid (W1 D2), and avoided defeat in both of their Champions League meetings (two draws in 2002-03).

The Greek side have also posed a tough test at home recently, losing only one of their six home games in major European competition since the start of last season (W4 D1).

"We're close to qualifying through the play-offs but far from the round of 16," Mourinho added.

"We need points, and we must play a serious match against a strong opponent in their stadium.

"The fact that Real Madrid has only won one of eight European matches in Athens is significant. We have to play at our best, seriously, and try to maintain our level of play. We need points."