Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho remains confident in his squad’s strength despite missing out on Spain captain Rodri, revealing that while the club submitted “a very good offer” for the star midfielder, hesitation on the player’s part led Madrid to move on.
Rodri completed his transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona on Tuesday. Mourinho, returning for a second managerial spell at the Bernabeu, disclosed that he held two conversations with the World Cup standout. However, the Portuguese coach grew concerned over the midfielder’s lack of total commitment to the project.
“The club contacted him, but he had some doubts. 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 said in an interview to the TV show “El Chiringuito” late Tuesday.
The comments came shortly after Mourinho was formally unveiled as Real Madrid’s manager in an unusual presentation closed to supporters and journalists. The manager, who accepted the job in June and began pre-season duties in July, dismissed suggestions that losing out on Rodri represented a blow to Madrid’s ambitions.
“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.”
Madrid done with transfers ahead of season opener
Following a second straight campaign without major silverware, Real Madrid have refreshed their squad, adding Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Yan Diomande during the summer transfer window.
Mourinho indicated that the club has concluded its transfer business ahead of the new season.
“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.
Real Madrid begin their La Liga season on Saturday with an away fixture against Espanyol. The Spanish giants will aim to end their two-year trophy drought under new manager Jose Mourinho.
