Mourinho Says Comparing Real Madrid to Barcelona Is Unfair

Posted : 24 October 2026

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has argued that comparing his team with Barcelona is unfair ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated La Liga Clasico at Camp Nou. The Portuguese coach believes his squad needs more time to develop under his leadership, particularly when measured against a Barcelona side that has enjoyed greater continuity under Hansi Flick.

Barcelona have won the last two La Liga titles and currently lead the standings, while Real Madrid are rebuilding after going two seasons without a major trophy. Madrid trail their rivals by six points heading into the encounter, although their recent form has improved with four consecutive victories across domestic and European competitions.

Barcelona, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday. However, Mourinho believes neither that result nor Madrid’s recent successes will significantly alter public perceptions of the two teams before the Clasico.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Mourinho said those who expected Barcelona to overwhelm Madrid would probably maintain that view despite the contrasting results in midweek.

The Madrid manager stressed that his team remains in the early stages of its development. Although he officially took charge during the summer, international breaks and a disrupted pre-season have limited the time available for his players to work consistently under his methods.

Mourinho explained that the squad was still learning his tactical ideas and that he was continuing to assess the players before establishing his preferred approach. He argued that judging Madrid against a more settled Barcelona team overlooked the different stages of development between the clubs.

Despite Madrid’s recent winning run, Mourinho insisted that previous results count for little in a Clasico. He described the fixture as unique in world football, noting that the attention surrounding the rivalry makes it different from an ordinary league match.

The coach also expressed hope that Sunday’s encounter would provide an entertaining contest, while making clear that his primary objective was to secure victory for Real Madrid.

Another major talking point ahead of the match is Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who has been in impressive form and is attracting considerable attention ahead of Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. Mourinho praised the young Spain international’s ability but insisted he would not abandon his tactical principles simply to contain one player.

He maintained that respecting an opponent’s quality did not mean changing the team’s entire structure or abandoning its identity. According to Mourinho, Madrid must remain faithful to their approach regardless of the individual threats posed by Barcelona.

With Barcelona aiming to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga and Madrid seeking to close the gap, Sunday’s Clasico represents an important test for both sides. Mourinho, however, has urged patience with his developing team, arguing that meaningful comparisons will become fairer as his players gain more experience working together.

Mourinho Says Comparing Real Madrid to Barcelona Is Unfair

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