Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho gave an exclusive interview to presenter Josep Pedrerol on Cuatro, talking about Rodri, the new Barcelona recruit who failed to join Real Madrid. He stated that he had held several conversations with Rodri and Real Madrid had put forward a very lucrative offer, yet Rodri remained hesitant. Mourinho believes Real Madrid cannot accommodate players who need to weigh their options repeatedly.
Host: “The squad lacks manpower. Do you still need to sign more players?”
Mourinho: “No.”
Host: “There will be no further signings?”
Mourinho: “I am not saying absolutely no more signings, after all the transfer window has not closed. But if you ask me directly whether the market is closed for me, for me it is closed.”
Host: “Are you satisfied with the current squad?”
Mourinho: “Yes, I am satisfied.”
Host: “Do you miss Rodri?”
Mourinho: “No, I do not miss Rodri. We have solutions and we have strength. We have players whom you may judge and analyse based on their past performances, yet I prefer to trust my own ability to improve players, to make a player one‑day different and better the next. We have a fantastic squad, a complete squad.”
Host: “On the other hand, do you think Barcelona acted out of that mindset over Rodri? Meaning the mentality of ‘we want to snatch him away from Real Madrid’.”
Mourinho: “No, I do not think so. I do not know the full details, but I believe that is not the case.”
Host: “Did you talk to Rodri?”
Mourinho: “Yes, yes, I spoke to him several times, only a few times, and Real Madrid made him a very lucrative offer, extremely lucrative. I believe Real Madrid and Manchester City enjoy an excellent, harmonious relationship. Without negotiating with Manchester City, the club contacted Rodri directly and submitted a huge offer. Rodri had doubts, he hesitated. This is only my personal opinion, yet Rodri’s doubts also raised doubts for me. He is an extraordinary player and his attitude towards us was impeccable. But for a club of Real Madrid’s stature, we cannot accommodate players who still need to weigh their options over and over. What we want is for the player to ask ‘when do I come?’ as soon as we make contact. That is the state we pursue. Still, he treated us with great respect. I wish him all the best, well‑not too good, but I still wish him luck.”
Host: “This transfer has been framed as Barcelona’s victory over Real Madrid.”
Mourinho: “True victories are earned on the pitch. Victories mean points, victories mean titles, that is where victory lies.”
