Mourinho Challenges Barcelona: “Real Madrid Win Titles With Mourinho”
The Real Madrid manager dismissed the idea that El Clásico will be a defining test for his team, defended his ongoing project, and insisted he will not change his plans to stop Lamine Yamal.
José Mourinho once again demonstrated his ability to handle pressure ahead of a high-stakes encounter. With Barcelona and Real Madrid preparing to face each other, the Portuguese manager delivered a bold statement reflecting his confidence in the project he is building at the Spanish capital club.
“Real Madrid win titles with Mourinho.”
With those words, the coach responded to suggestions that El Clásico represents a decisive test of whether his team is ready to compete for major trophies this season.
During his pre-match press conference, Mourinho explained that previous results carry little significance when a rivalry of this magnitude approaches.
Real Madrid are coming off a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig, while Barcelona suffered a defeat in Paris. However, Mourinho believes neither result will determine what happens on the pitch.
The Portuguese coach emphasized that El Clásico is a unique occasion and that a team's recent form does not necessarily decide the outcome.
Mourinho's Real Madrid Are Still a Work in Progress
One of the manager's most significant messages concerned the criticism his team has faced during the opening months of the season.
Mourinho believes there is a misunderstanding about the current stage of his project, as he is still working to establish his footballing philosophy.
Although he has been in charge for approximately three months, he explained that preseason preparations and international breaks have left him with only about six weeks of effective training time with his squad.
For that reason, he considers it unfair to compare Real Madrid with teams that have spent considerably longer developing a consistent playing style.
The Portuguese manager also acknowledged that his players are still adapting to his methods, while he continues learning about the strengths and characteristics of his squad.
Nevertheless, he made it clear that this process should not be used as an excuse for disappointing results. He understands that expectations at Real Madrid will always be exceptionally high.
Lamine Yamal Will Not Change Real Madrid's Plans
Another major topic during the press conference was Lamine Yamal, one of Barcelona's most important players.
Mourinho acknowledged the young Spanish star's quality but ruled out completely changing his tactical approach simply to contain him.
According to the manager, respecting an opponent does not mean abandoning his own team's identity.
He also praised Hansi Flick, recognizing the German as an excellent coach who has done outstanding work with the Catalan club.
However, Mourinho refused to reveal details of his strategy and confirmed that he has already decided on his starting lineup for the match.
Mourinho Responds to Fermín and Addresses Refereeing Concerns
Refereeing controversies were another talking point during the press conference.
Asked about comments from Fermín López, who expressed frustration over Real Madrid's repeated complaints about refereeing decisions, Mourinho responded with a remark that added further tension ahead of the match.
“We are tired of other things that keep happening.”
Regarding the referee appointment, the Portuguese manager insisted that he is not concerned about who officiates the match, provided the rules are respected.
He avoided discussing speculation surrounding potential referees and emphasized that he begins with confidence in the ability of whoever is appointed.
His response to Fermín López added another chapter to the growing anticipation surrounding one of football's biggest rivalries.
El Clásico That Brings the World to a Standstill
Barcelona will host Real Madrid on Sunday, October 25, at Spotify Camp Nou, in a Matchday 10 encounter in LaLiga.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. in Spain, corresponding to 3:00 p.m. ET in the United States.
For Mourinho, the importance of this fixture extends far beyond the three points at stake. The Portuguese manager highlighted its enormous international appeal, with millions of fans expected to follow the latest chapter of this historic rivalry.
But while the football world awaits another unforgettable showdown, the Real Madrid coach remains firm in his position: his team is still developing, but its ambition to win trophies remains unchanged.
Key Takeaways From Mourinho's Press Conference
- José Mourinho insisted that El Clásico will not determine Real Madrid's chances of winning trophies this season.
- The Portuguese manager defended his project and ruled out changing his tactical approach solely to stop Lamine Yamal.
- Mourinho responded to Fermín López and reiterated that he expects the rules to be respected regarding the referee appointment.
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