Real Madrid Manager José Mourinho Prepares for Clásico Clash Against Barcelona
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho sidestepped questions regarding refereeing controversies and his starting lineup ahead of Sunday’s Clásico match against Barcelona, espndeportes.espn.com reported. Speaking at a press conference on October 24, 2026, Mourinho responded to recent comments from Barcelona player Fermín López, who claimed that the constant complaints from Real Madrid regarding referees have become tiring.
“In our case, other things tire us and they keep happening,” Mourinho said during the media session. The Portuguese coach declined to reveal any details concerning his tactical plans, structures, or potential starting XI for the weekend fixture.
Regarding the general expectations surrounding the squad, Mourinho pointed to external doubts about the team’s current trajectory. “If people thought a week ago that we were going to be thrashed, they will continue to think so,” he stated. “That Barcelona is spoken of well does not affect me, it has nothing to do with me.”
Mourinho Compares Squad Development Timelines with Barcelona
Addressing the current state of his squad, Mourinho argued that comparing Real Madrid to Barcelona at this stage of the season lacks fairness. He noted that his team is still in an initial phase of development, having worked together for only three months following a staggered pre-season schedule and international breaks.
“To be honest, there are moments that deserve to be spoken of well because they do things very well,” Mourinho said regarding his opponents. “In our case, we are looked at as a finished product, and that in football is very difficult, but we are not in an advanced phase of that process.”
The manager explained that he is currently observing, analyzing, and defining tactical paths while getting to know his players. “Comparing a team in this state with another that has spent more years doesn’t seem fair to me,” he added.
Refereeing Concerns and Selection of Munuera Montero
Turning to the officiating for Sunday’s match, Mourinho addressed the assignment of referee Munuera Montero. The coach expressed mild surprise over the appointment timing but maintained that his primary focus remains on adherence to rules rather than the identity of the official. “It catches me a little by surprise… The name of the referee never bothers me,” Mourinho said.
Approach to Facing Lamine Yamal and Rival Stars
Mourinho also touched upon the challenge posed by Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, maintaining that individual threats will not force a drastic shift in Real Madrid’s tactical identity.
“They are all good, the same thing happens as in Madrid,” Mourinho remarked. “He is a great player, and the greats are respected. One thing is to respect and another is to change plans, structures, and forget your essence. We will not do it, neither with him nor against another with his super quality.”
Concluding his remarks, the Real Madrid manager emphasized his record of securing titles with the club as the team approaches the high-stakes fixture.
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🚨 José Mourinho FIRES BACK at Fermín López after the Barcelona midfielder described Real Madrid’s complaints about refereeing as TIRESOME! 🗣️ Mourinho: “What tires us are OTHER THINGS that keep happening.“And Fermín, he’s tired of our discourse, as he said, isn’t he?” 😏—… pic.twitter.com/dPy8ug978J”
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