Mourinho addresses Real Madrid squad loyalty and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal
José Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid with a clear objective to secure titles. In a recent interview on the Spanish programme “El Chiringuito,” Mourinho delivered a dual message, offering praise for Barcelona’s project while firmly stating he has no interest in signing their young player, Lamine Yamal.
The interview took place as the Spanish season commenced, with reigning champions Barcelona beginning their campaign confidently. Real Madrid, under Mourinho’s renewed leadership, are embarking on a new chapter.
Mourinho, known for his direct style, openly admired Barcelona’s work under Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, whom he previously coached at Porto. He stated, “I liked it, it is excellent work carried out between Hansi Flick and Deco, and of course the players, I liked it a lot.”
Mourinho on Yamal and Squad Loyalty
When questioned about Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage player, Mourinho’s response was definitive. He emphasized his loyalty to his current squad, stating, “I don’t want him.” He acknowledged Yamal’s potential, noting, “He is without doubt a young player with enormous potential, it is not usual for someone to be a European and world champion at the age of nineteen, but we have a top-class team, I will not make room for any other player at the moment. Right now they are my team’s players, and they are the best.”
This statement served to reassure the Real Madrid dressing room and conveyed respect for their rival, setting a tone for the upcoming season.
Views on the Negreira Case
During the same interview, Mourinho also commented on the ‘Negreira Case’. He indicated that he had suspicions about the situation even during his previous tenure at the club. He remarked, “Without knowing who Negreira was, without even knowing that was his name, when I was here, I smelled something. You could feel something strange. I didn’t know who it was, but it was strange.”
Mourinho further questioned the implications of the case, asking, “If the vice president of the referees is being paid, is that manipulation of the competition? Obviously. Have the courage to look people in the eye. In Italy they did it with ‘Calciopoli’.” He concluded by stating that the case is now “in the hands of the courts.”
Mourinho also discussed player acquisitions, mentioning that he did not specifically request any new signings upon his return. He stated that he analyzed the squad and found common ground with the club’s vision. He cited players like Dumfries and Konaté as examples of necessary profiles, even if they don’t generate significant social media excitement. He noted that finding a fast, aggressive winger like Diomande, who can play on either side and is young, is challenging. Mourinho confirmed his desire for Diomande, focusing on the player’s profile and contribution to the team rather than the transfer fee.
Mourinho also expressed admiration for Bernardo Silva, calling him a player he has always loved due to his football intelligence and versatility across midfield positions. He believes Bernardo Silva is of Real Madrid level. Regarding the departure of players like Kroos and Modric, Mourinho acknowledged their unique qualities. He also expressed his affection for Arda Güler, suggesting that Güler’s development might see him transition through different midfield roles, similar to Modric or Bernardo Silva.
Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid was described as an easy decision for him, driven by the club’s call and his desire to return.
He noted that his current return is different from past experiences, as he is coming back because the club knows what he can bring, rather than solely based on past triumphs.
The interview, aired on Wednesday, provided insights into Mourinho’s perspective on the new season.
Source: goal.com
