José Mourinho addresses media ahead of Real Madrid clash against Barcelona
- José Mourinho addressed the media ahead of the weekend La Liga fixture against Barcelona, asserting that it remains unfair to compare his squad directly to the reigning Spanish...
- Mourinho rejected comparisons between his squad and Hansi Flick's table-leading team, explaining that the club is still in an early developmental phase following his arrival in July.
- The manager also dismissed concerns about altering his tactical setup to contain Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal.
E’ una partita unica, per cui il mondo del calcio si ferma. Spero che sia un grande incontro e che vinceremo noi
José Mourinho via ANSA
José Mourinho addressed the media ahead of the weekend La Liga fixture against Barcelona, asserting that it remains unfair to compare his squad directly to the reigning Spanish champions. According to ANSA, the first Clásico of the season takes place at the Camp Nou at 21:00, with Barcelona entering the tenth matchday holding a six-point lead at the top of the table over a third-place Real Madrid side. Viewers in Italy can watch the match live in the clear on Italia 1 and Mediaset Infinity, or via the paid platform DAZN.
Mourinho Defends Real Madrid Transition Phase
Mourinho rejected comparisons between his squad and Hansi Flick’s table-leading team, explaining that the club is still in an early developmental phase following his arrival in July. As reported by ANSA, the coach stated in his pre-match press conference that his players have only worked with him at full capacity for a maximum of two months. Non siamo ancora un prodotto finito
(We are not a finished product yet
), Mourinho said, noting that a comparison against a rival managed by the same coach for two years is unbalanced.
Jose Mourinho back in the Real Madrid dugout was always going to be pure CINEMA 🤩🎥 pic.twitter.com/eUyDXoV5VT
The manager also dismissed concerns about altering his tactical setup to contain Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. ANSA noted that Mourinho praised the player while confirming his team will maintain its usual structure. È un grande giocatore, e i grandi giocatori si rispettano. Ma rispettare è una cosa; cambiare la struttura della squadra e dimenticare la propria identità è un’altra
(He is a great player, and great players are respected. But respecting is one thing; changing the team’s structure and forgetting your identity is another
), Mourinho declared.
Courtois Out With Flu As Flick Prepares Squad
Real Madrid sustained a late roster setback hours before kickoff when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced to withdraw due to a viral flu syndrome, according to an official club statement cited by ANSA. Illia Voloshyn is set to replace Courtois. Meanwhile, Hansi Flick dealt with his own personnel absences, confirming that Jules Koundé remains sidelined to avoid physical risks. Flick also addressed the absence of midfielder Dani Olmo, acknowledging that while Fermín offers an alternative, Olmo’s injury creates a notable void in the squad.
Despite a recent 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League—their first loss of the season—Barcelona commands the domestic standings with six points of advantage over the team of José Mourinho. La Gazzetta dello Sport noted that Barça forward Raphinha leads the league scoring charts with 12 goals across nine appearances heading into the weekend. Bookmakers list a Barcelona victory around 1.63, a draw at 5.75, and a Real Madrid win priced near 4.10, reflecting expectations for an open match featuring multiple goals.
Credo che chi, una settimana fa, pensava che il Barça ci avrebbe umiliato, non abbia cambiato idea
José Mourinho via ANSA