Mourinho Rejects Barcelona Comparisons as Real Madrid Prepare for Atletico Derby

Posted : 20 September 2026

Jose Mourinho has rejected comparisons between Real Madrid and Barcelona as his side prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby. The Portuguese manager said his focus remains on improving his own team rather than measuring their progress against their rivals.

Real Madrid enter the derby three points behind Barcelona in the early LaLiga standings. Barcelona have made a strong start to the campaign, scoring 31 goals in their first seven matches, while Madrid have experienced a more uneven opening.

Mourinho's team have lost once in the league this season, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Real Betis. They have also needed late goals to secure important results, including a dramatic 91st-minute winner from Carlos Espi against Elche after Madrid had surrendered a two-goal advantage.

Despite Barcelona's attacking numbers, Mourinho refused to make comparisons between the two clubs. He instead highlighted Real Madrid's history and said the team must concentrate on addressing its own weaknesses.

"Historically, culturally, Real Madrid can't be compared to anyone," Mourinho said. "So I won't compare us to any team. I'll speak about us, our problems, and the things we have to improve."

The manager also pointed to his players' ability to fight until the final stages of matches. He said Real Madrid had shown physical and psychological resilience in several games where they needed a late goal.

Mourinho described the LaLiga title race as a marathon rather than a straight path. He acknowledged that obstacles would appear throughout the campaign but maintained that Real Madrid would remain involved in the competition.

The coach also defended the progress of his squad after returning to the Real Madrid bench. Mourinho said the team is still in the early stages of development and that judging a process after only a few months would be premature.

"This is a process," Mourinho said. He noted that coaches often speak about evolution after several years together, while his current group has only worked together for a few months.

The derby also reunites Mourinho with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone. The pair have developed a long-running rivalry during their careers, with Mourinho describing their relationship as one between rivals who have shared many battles.

"You say so many silly things in your career," Mourinho said when reflecting on some of his previous comments about Simeone. He added that circumstances and strategy can influence what managers say but stressed that respect remains between them.

Real Madrid will now attempt to close the gap on Barcelona while navigating a difficult away fixture against Atletico. The derby provides Mourinho's side with another test of their ability to manage pressure and maintain their challenge near the top of the LaLiga table.

Mourinho Rejects Barcelona Comparisons as Real Madrid Prepare for Atletico Derby

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics