Barcelona's Rodri Praises Mourinho Ahead of Real Madrid Clash

El Clasico is already this Sunday, and the protagonists are beginning to speak about the match. Barcelona midfielder Rodri is seen as one of the fundamental pieces for the blaugranas. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, who was close to signing for Real Madrid last summer, spoke on DAZN about what the match means to him and how he sees the archrival ahead of this important duel.

"Returning to Spanish football and experiencing a Clasico is a great joy, given what it means worldwide. One of the handicaps players who have been, for example, in the Premier League have had is that they have not been as valued, nor have they had the repercussions they can have in LaLiga. I have been lucky enough to be able to return and be able to play matches like this, which put you in the world spotlight. The world stops to watch the Clasico; let's hope it goes well."

"We come from a stumble in Paris, it is true, but with our mentality intact and the desire to keep doing things well. The white team has a different style of play from ours, but the competitive spirit is always there, and even more so in matches of this nature, so we expect a Real Madrid that is going to go all out. Of the last six or seven Clasicos, I think they have won one, so they will be eager for revenge," the ex-Manchester City player said.

Finally, he spoke about the rival coach, Jose Mourinho, who will again manage a Clasico since 2013, when he ended his contract with the Merengues and returned to the Premier League. "He is a coach with a lot of personality; he is very decisive at the teams he goes to and has a very marked philosophy. He always raises the competitive level of his team," he added.

A match loaded with emotions on both sides. The Catalans want to continue with the good rhythm, since in their 12 matches this season they have won 11. In front of them, they have a Merengue team that wants to win at all costs, which would mean falling to just three points behind those coached by Hansi Flick in the standings and would make the local competition more interesting than ever.

However, to be able to beat Barça at the Camp Nou, and even more so in this season in which they have found a quite effective style of play, Mourinho will have to formulate an almost perfect match. He has a quite powerful arsenal, but he must know how to use each of his players so that they perform at their maximum and, naturally, the positive result is obtained.