Mourinho, who took charge of the club this summer following two seasons without a major trophy, emphasised that his tenure is still in its infancy. While
A Project in Development
Addressing the media on Saturday, Mourinho noted that while external observers may view his team as a finished product, the reality of his short time at the club suggests otherwise. He pointed to the fragmented nature of his first few months, which included pre-season disruptions due to the World Cup and a recent international break, leaving him with only about two months of consistent work with his full squad.
The manager described the current period as an initial phase of learning and analysis, where both the coaching staff and players are still defining their tactical path. He suggested that measuring a team in such an early stage of development against a more established, settled side like Barcelona is fundamentally unfair.
Focusing on the Clasico
Despite recent momentum—including a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig and a four-match winning streak—Mourinho insisted that previous form holds little weight when the two giants meet. He acknowledged the unique intensity of the fixture, noting that the football world pauses to watch the encounter, and expressed his hope for a high-quality performance from his side.
Looking ahead to the tactical challenge posed by Barcelona, Mourinho confirmed he would not be altering his team’s core structure to specifically target winger Lamine Yamal. While he acknowledged the 19-year-old’s exceptional form and his status as a contender for the upcoming Ballon d'Or, the Madrid boss remained firm on his philosophy. He stated that while great players deserve respect, he will not abandon his team's essence or change his fundamental structure to accommodate any single opponent.
