‘I don’t need Rodri’: José Mourinho after Real Madrid lose transfer battle to Barcelona | Football News
José Mourinho says Real Madrid can cope without Rodri despite the club making “a very good offer” to sign the Spain midfielder. Rodri officially joins Barcelona from Manchester City, ending Madrid’s hopes of bringing the World Cup’s best player to the Spanish capital.Mourinho revealed he spoke to Rodri twice during Madrid’s efforts to sign him, but felt the midfielder was unsure about his future.“The club contacted him but he had some doubts,” Mourinho said in an interview to TV show “El Chiringuito” late Tuesday. “What I think happened is that his doubts have created doubts for me. He’s an extraordinary player and was very correct with us. But I think Real Madrid is of such a stature that it can’t have players who think twice about being with the club.”
Mourinho confident in Madrid squad
Despite missing out on Rodri, Mourinho insists Madrid have enough quality in midfield and does not believe Barcelona gained an advantage by completing the transfer.“I don’t need Rodri. We have solutions, quality players,” Mourinho said, adding that he didn’t think Barcelona got the best of Madrid by signing the midfielder. “Victories are won on the field, they are won with titles.”Mourinho, who returned for a second spell and took charge in July, also said Madrid are unlikely to add more players before the transfer window closes. The club has already brought in Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva and Yan Diomande after another season without a major trophy.“I’m not saying there won’t be any more signings because the market is still open, but if you ask me directly if it’s closed (for Madrid), yes, it’s closed,” he said.Madrid begin their La Liga campaign away at Espanyol on Saturday.
