‘Real Madrid can’t be compared to anyone!’ – Jose Mourinho hits back at Barcelona comparisons as Blancos boss prepares for Atletico derby

Having only recently returned to the Bernabeu helm, Mourinho was quick to remind critics that his newly formed squad is still in a transitional phase. The team has notably struggled to maintain dominance over full 90-minute periods, a flaw painfully exposed by their defensive lapse against Elche.

“This is a process,” Mourinho explained. “If coaches train for two, three, four, five, or ten years, and they talk about a process and evolution, imagine when we’ve been together for just a few months.”

He also reserved praise for his Atletico counterpart Diego Simeone, reflecting on their long-standing rivalry on the touchline. “You say so many silly things in your career,” he admitted regarding past comments. “Sometimes you’re affected by the moment and sometimes it’s strategic. But in the end, you respect, or you don’t … We’re rivals again, but we’re war comrades.”