Real Madrid Still a Work in Progress, Says Mourinho Ahead of El Clásico

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has described his team as a work in progress ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona, saying it would be unfair to compare his side with a more established team.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the Portuguese coach said he had spent only a limited period working with the squad and was still assessing players, refining tactics and establishing his preferred approach.

“We’ve been working for three months,” Mourinho said, explaining that pre-season preparations and the international break had reduced the time available for consistent training.

He added that the team was still in the early stages of development, with both the players and coaching staff learning how to work together.

Mourinho’s comments come ahead of a crucial La Liga encounter at Camp Nou, where Real Madrid will seek to close the gap on league leaders Barcelona.

Madrid head into the match after a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, extending their recent run of positive results. Barcelona, meanwhile, suffered a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Europe.

However, Mourinho dismissed suggestions that the teams’ recent results would significantly influence the outcome of El Clásico, describing the fixture as different from ordinary league matches.

He also praised Barcelona coach Hansi Flick for his work with the team but insisted that Madrid would not abandon their playing principles to deal with individual opponents, including forward Lamine Yamal.

Mourinho said respecting talented players did not mean changing his team’s identity or tactical structure specifically to contain them.

Real Madrid are third in the La Liga standings, six points behind Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s encounter. The result could have implications for the early-season title race.

Despite the pressure surrounding the fixture, Mourinho expressed confidence in his team’s ambitions, saying Madrid under his leadership would compete for titles.

The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, at Camp Nou, with both sides seeking an important result in one of football’s most closely watched rivalries.