Mourinho: Real Madrid Can Cope Without Rodri After Barcelona Transfer

José Mourinho believes Real Madrid can handle the loss of Rodri despite the club making what he described as “a very good offer” for the Spain midfielder.

Rodri has officially joined Barcelona from Manchester City, bringing an end to Madrid’s pursuit of the World Cup’s best player and closing the door on a move to the Spanish capital.

Mourinho revealed that he spoke with Rodri twice while Madrid were trying to secure his signature. However, the midfielder’s uncertainty over his future eventually made Mourinho question whether he was fully committed to joining the club.

“The club contacted him but he had some doubts,” Mourinho said in an interview with the 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 backs Madrid’s midfield options

Despite missing out on Rodri, Mourinho remains confident in the quality already available to him.

The Madrid manager does not believe Barcelona’s successful move for the midfielder gives the Catalan club an advantage over his side. Mourinho pointed to the depth of his own squad and insisted there are enough alternatives in midfield.

“I don’t need Rodri. We have solutions, quality players,” Mourinho said.

He also rejected the idea that Barcelona had gained the upper hand simply by completing the transfer.

“Victories are won on the field, they are won with titles.”

Madrid unlikely to make more signings

Mourinho, who returned to the club for a second spell and took charge in July, also indicated that Real Madrid are unlikely to make further additions before the transfer window closes.

Madrid have already signed Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva and Yan Diomande following another season without a major trophy.

Mourinho stopped short of completely ruling out another move while the market remains open, but suggested the club’s transfer business is effectively finished.

“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 will begin their La Liga campaign away to Espanyol on Saturday, with Mourinho now turning his attention to the squad he has assembled rather than the player who ultimately chose Barcelona.