Mourinho: Rodri's Doubts Raised Doubts for Me at Real Madrid

José Mourinho, the coach of Real Madrid, revealed that midfielder Rodri's hesitation regarding a contract offer from the club created doubts for him as well. Mourinho emphasized that Real Madrid cannot afford players who need to "think twice" about joining. He clarified that Barcelona was not involved in trying to lure Rodri away, but rather that the player himself had reservations after receiving a significant offer from Real Madrid. "What I think has happened, and I'm talking about myself, is that the doubts Rodri has had have created doubts in me," Mourinho stated in an interview. "He is an extraordinary player and very correct with us. I think Madrid is of a dimension that cannot have players who think twice. If you are contacted, the player has to ask you when he has to go."

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What I think has happened, and I'm talking about myself, is that the doubts Rodri has had have created doubts in me. He is an extraordinary player and very correct with us. I think Madrid is of a dimension that cannot have players who think twice. If you are contacted, the player has to ask you when he has to go.

Mourinho wished Rodri well at Barcelona but humorously added he hopes he doesn't perform "too well." The coach also asserted that he is content with his current squad and does not foresee any more signings, despite the market remaining open. "I don't need Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality and a squad that is complete," he declared. He also touched upon his return to Real Madrid, noting increased maturity and emotional control, though his core character remains intact. "I have changed a lot, but the DNA is the same, obviously. I cannot hide or try to be what I am not. I always learn from mistakes. Regretting something that has happened does not help; learning from experiences, yes," he explained.

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I don't need Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality and a squad that is complete.

Discussing his team's dynamic, Mourinho described finding a squad eager to win and receptive to common sense. He feels protected from his more aggressive leadership style by the players' impeccable behavior. Key "basic and non-negotiable" standards include arriving an hour before training, having breakfast under nutritionist supervision, and performing preventative gym work. Mourinho acknowledged that unforeseen issues can arise during the season but expressed satisfaction with the team's current discipline and commitment.

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I have changed a lot, but the DNA is the same, obviously. I cannot hide or try to be what I am not. I always learn from mistakes. Regretting something that has happened does not help; learning from experiences, yes.