Rabat – Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete for titles ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona, insisting that the club’s recent performances will have little influence on the highly anticipated encounter.
Speaking during Saturday’s pre-match press conference, Mourinho acknowledged Madrid’s positive run of results but warned that El Clasico presents a different challenge.
“We are in a good dynamic,” Mourinho said, noting that his team have been winning matches, playing well and scoring goals.
However, he argued that previous performances do not necessarily determine the outcome of meetings between the two Spanish rivals.
The Portuguese coach described El Clasico as a unique fixture that attracts football supporters worldwide, expressing hope for an entertaining match and a Real Madrid victory.
Asked whether Sunday’s encounter would be a decisive test of his team’s ability to challenge for trophies, Mourinho responded confidently.
“Madrid with Mourinho wins titles,” he declared.
Mourinho refuses to change plans for Yamal
Mourinho also addressed the threat posed by Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, commending the Spanish international’s quality while insisting that Madrid will not abandon their tactical identity to contain him.
The coach described Yamal as a great player who deserves respect, but argued that respecting an opponent does not require changing an entire tactical approach.
Mourinho maintained that his team would not make such changes for Yamal or any other talented opponent.
He also acknowledged Barcelona coach Hansi Flick’s work, describing the German as an excellent manager.
Real Madrid still developing under Mourinho
Despite his confidence, Mourinho admitted that Real Madrid remain in the early stages of their development following his return to the club.
The Portuguese coach explained that although he has been working with the squad for three months, preseason preparations and international breaks have reduced their effective working time to around six to eight weeks.
He argued that comparing Madrid with a Barcelona side that has been working under Flick for a longer period would be unfair.
Mourinho also addressed reports concerning the referee appointed for El Clasico and alleged links to the Negreira case.
He insisted that the referee’s identity was not his concern, explaining that he approaches matches assuming officials will perform their duties properly.
However, he stressed that any breach of regulations would concern him, while noting that he had received no internal confirmation of such a violation.
Real Madrid travel to Camp Nou on Sunday for the tenth round of LaLiga, seeking to close the gap on their rivals in the league standings.
