Mourinho: “Fermín is tired of referee talk? We’re tired of other things and they keep happening”

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho was in a combative mood in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Clásico. Earlier this week Barcelona midfielder Fermín López said, “Real Madrid’s complaints about the referees are getting tiresome. This match could go either way, and here at Barça we’re focused on playing our own game”. Mourinho responded, saying, “What can I say? We get fed up with other things, and yet they keep happening…”

Mourinho on the team’s form

“When we’re on a roll, we play well, we score goals… but the Clásico isn’t about what you’ve done before; it doesn’t matter. It really is different.”

Mourinho on whether he deserves more credit

“The feeling that this is just how Real Madrid are… But I’m not looking for anything more. Credit to my players when they do well and criticism of the manager when he doesn’t do so well. That’s the story for practically every manager in the world. It’s our life. Back to El Clásico? There are at least two a season; it doesn’t matter who the manager is, what matters is the global significance of El Clásico. There are other important derbies in the world, but this is the one and only Clásico, the world comes to a standstill.”

Mourinho on this being a litmus test of whether Real Madrid can win titles

“No, Real Madrid win trophies with Mourinho.”

Mourinho on referee Munuera paying for coaching from Negreira

“That comes as a bit of a surprise to me… The referee’s name never bothers me. I start from the premise that the referee is good; what bothers me is that the rules are being broken and, according to internal sources, this still isn’t known. Three weeks ago one name came up, now another, but nobody internally has told me, ‘the referee is official’.”

Mourinho on Barcelona’s loss to PSG

“I don’t think losing one match will change his state of mind or his confidence. Nor would it have changed me if we’d lost 4-1 to Leipzig.”

Mourinho on criticism depending on the result

“If people thought a week ago that we were going to be thrashed, they’ll still think that. People speaking highly of Barcelona doesn’t bother me; it’s got nothing to do with me. To be honest, there are times when they deserve praise because they do some really good things. In our case… we’re seen as a finished product, and that’s very difficult in football, but we’re not at an advanced stage of that process; we’ve been working for three months, with a pre-season where players were arriving in pairs each week, then the break… We’re a long way from being a finished product; it’s still early days. We’re at a stage where the manager is getting to know the players, analysing them and mapping out a path forward, whilst they’re getting to know the manager… Comparing a team at this stage with one that’s been together for several years doesn’t seem fair to me.”

Mourinho on Lamine Yamal

“They’re all good players; it’s the same as at Real Madrid. He’s a great player, and great players are respected. It’s one thing to show respect, but quite another to change your plans and structures and lose sight of who you are. We won’t do that, whether it’s with him or against another player of his calibre.”

Mourinho on Hansi Flick

“I don’t understand the questions about our opponents. He’s a great coach; he’s doing a brilliant job. What do you want me to say?”

Mourinho on Spotify Camp Nou

“It’s just like playing at a different stadium. We’re talking about a very strong side. But it’s no big deal.”

Mourinho on whether his beard is a superstition

“Do I look awful with a beard? Should I shave it off? I’m one of the few in football who isn’t superstitious.”

Mourinho on his plans for the game

“I’m not going to answer that… let’s ask another question instead. About plans, who’s going to play, the line-up… I’m not going to answer… You’re clever, but I’m not stupid!”