Real Madrid head into Sunday’s match after beating Leipzig 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, while Barcelona suffered a defeat in Paris in the Champions League. Mourinho, however, dismissed the suggestion that those results should alter expectations for the contest.
“My experience in the Clásicos and derbies I’ve played tells me that what happened beforehand doesn’t mean very much.”
The Portuguese coach also rejected the idea that Madrid’s recent performances should earn him greater credit, explaining that his priority was to see his players receive recognition when they performed well.
“I have the feeling that Madrid is like this. I’m not looking for anything other than credit for my players when they do well and criticism of their coach when we do less well. That’s the story for every coach. Some matches are won by the players and others are lost by the coaches. That’s our life.”
Mourinho highlighted the worldwide attention surrounding the fixture, which he considers different from any other match in the domestic calendar.
“There are at least two Clásicos every season. What matters most is its global dimension. There are other important matches, but this one is unique. The world stops to watch it.”
He also argued that comparisons between Madrid and Barcelona were premature, given the stage of his own team’s development.
“If you talk about us as a finished product, we’ve been working for three months. If you take away pre-season and the international break, we’ve been working for a month and a half. Far from being a finished product, we’re at the beginning of the process. Our coach is getting to know the players, analysing things and establishing his ideas. The players are getting to know me, too. I don’t think it’s fair to compare a team like that with another that has been together for longer.”
Mourinho had particular praise for Lamine Yamal, but made clear that Madrid would not redesign their plans around the Barcelona forward.
“They’re all very good players, just as they are at Madrid. I haven’t found a player who isn’t very good. He’s a great player. Respecting someone is one thing; changing your plans or forgetting your identity is another. We won’t do that, either for him or for another outstanding opponent.”
The Madrid manager also praised Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, describing him as a successful colleague who deserved respect. He confirmed that his starting line-up was already decided but refused to disclose his tactical structure.
Asked about the referee, Mourinho said he was not concerned by the identity of the official, adding that his main frustration came when he believed the rules were not being followed.
Madrid now face a Barcelona side eager to respond to their European setback. Mourinho’s message is that neither the opposition’s reputation nor the noise surrounding the Clásico will persuade him to abandon his approach.