Mourinho: Transfer Market Closed for Me, I Don't Miss Rodri

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho appeared in an extensive interview with renowned journalist Josep Pedrerol on the show "El Chiringuito," where he discussed the latest developments within the royal team ahead of their league campaign starting this Saturday against Espanyol.

The coach said: "After 13 years since your departure, what has changed in José Mourinho? I have changed in many ways, as a person and as a coach... I have changed a lot, I would say I still have the same DNA. Clearly, I cannot hide my personality or try to be someone I am not. I now have much greater maturity, and I have become less emotional and more controlled. And as always, I learn from mistakes. But I do not regret this or that, because I believe that regretting something that happened in life is of no use. Learning from experiences, yes. And in this coaching mission, I believe that the more experiences we have, and the more situations we go through that we have lived before, the better the quality of our work becomes."

The player stated: "I don't think I've become more boring. I believe that in the end, DNA always wins. But more boring... not exactly."

Regarding the bruise that appeared under my eye: it was due to poor Lacosta, one of the young Castilla players, who kicked the ball and hit me. I was wearing glasses and the ball struck me. But that’s not the reason he wasn’t called up for the last match.

Regarding the dressing room: "I found a dressing room with a great desire to win. I found a dressing room open to common sense, because all I have asked of them since day one is common sense. And so far, I haven't faced any situation that forced me to be the aggressive leader I could be. They have shielded me from this version of myself that also exists inside me."

The coach stated, "Are the players the ones who protected you? Yes, because their behavior is impeccable. I told them that what I ask of them is common sense. When I tell them they should arrive an hour before training, not five minutes before, that is common sense. This is football today. You have to arrive early, have your breakfast under the supervision of a nutritionist, and go to the gym every day for prevention... all of this is for you. And for us. All I asked of them is common sense."

He continued: "When Mourinho enters the dressing room, do the players become more disciplined? I don't know. I don't know if that's the case, or if it's the responsibility of working for Real Madrid, which for me is essential. The idea of working at Real Madrid doesn't appeal to me much; I really love working for Real Madrid. From day one, I made that clear at Valdebebas, not just to the players, but to everyone there. We are here to work for the benefit of Real Madrid, and at this moment, I am very happy."

He added: "During my first period, I used to sleep at the sports city. My children were young, and we were all together, my wife and I. Now they are 29 and 26 years old and live in London, while my wife spends a lot of time with the kids. When they come to Madrid, I am very happy, and when they are not here, I always stay at Valdebebas. When I finish work here at six or seven... it is very comfortable to stay here."

Regarding the transfer market: "I’m not saying there won’t be any more signings because the market is still open, but if you ask me directly if the market is closed for me, then yes. For me, it is closed. Are you happy with the squad? Yes, I like it a lot."

Regarding the failed Rodri transfer: "I don’t miss Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality, and we have players that you might analyze based on what they have shown, but I like to think that I have the ability to develop players. And the player who is in a certain state today can become a different player tomorrow."

Speaking about the situation, he said: "I spoke with Rodri twice, and Real Madrid made him a very good offer. I believe the relationship with Manchester City is very good. Without entering into negotiations with City, the club contacted Rodri and made him an important offer. Rodri had doubts and hesitated... and his hesitation made me hesitate as well. He is an exceptional player and was very respectful towards us, and I have nothing negative to say about him. But Real Madrid is a club of a size that cannot accommodate players who think twice. You communicate with the player, and he asks you: 'When should I come?' That is the concept, somewhat. Rodri was very respectful towards us, and I wish him well. Not too much well, of course, but I wish him well."

Rodri concluded: "The talk about my transfer to Barcelona as a victory for them over Real Madrid, is that true? No, victories happen on the pitch, and trophies are the real victories."