Mourinho Calls Barca Comparisons Unfair

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho dismissed comparisons between his rebuilding squad and La Liga leaders Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s Clasico at Camp Nou.

While unbeaten Barcelona hold a six-point lead over third-place Madrid, Mourinho highlighted that he has only managed his squad for a few months following a titleless two-year spell, whereas Hansi Flick’s side represents a far more established project.

“People look at us like a finished product… but comparing a team in this state, I think, is unfair,” Mourinho told reporters, adding that recent results—including Barca’s European loss and Madrid’s four-game winning streak—will not change public perception or impact the match itself.

Mourinho emphasised that prior form carries no weight once the iconic rivalry kicks off on the pitch.

Expecting the global audience to tune in for a fierce contest, the Real Madrid boss expressed confidence while maintaining respect for Barcelona’s star players, particularly 19-year-old winger Lamine Yamal.

Despite Yamal’s sublime form ahead of Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, Mourinho insisted that Real Madrid would not alter their core tactical identity or structure to counter individual threats, declaring that his squad would stay true to their own essence throughout the match.