Gavi backs Mourinho’s outspoken style ahead of Barcelona’s El Clasico with Real Madrid

Barcelona midfielder Gavi says he is not bothered by Jose Mourinho’s comments and enjoys facing managers with strong, passionate personalities.

Speaking to ESPN before Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou, Gavi said he respected Mourinho and welcomed the Portuguese coach’s willingness to speak openly.

Asked whether Mourinho’s remarks irritated him, Gavi replied: “No, honestly, I like it when he talks. I like that type of manager.”

Gavi was then asked if he was referring to coaches who combine a forceful character with an emotional approach. He said: “Yes, I like that type of manager, and I also like facing Mourinho as an opponent. I respect him a lot, so his comments do not bother me at all.”

The fixture will take place on Sunday as part of the 10th round of La Liga, with Barcelona preparing to face their long-standing rivals at home.

Fليك’s approach to preparation

Gavi also described how Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick reacts when preparations for an important match do not go according to plan.

He said Flick had been particularly frustrated when the team was forced to remain in Seville because of the weather, explaining that the German places great importance on following the agreed schedule.

“Flick is affected a lot when things do not go according to the team’s plan,” Gavi said. “For example, when we had to stay in Seville because of the weather, he was extremely annoyed, because he is very German in that regard and does not like things to move away from the plan.”

The Spain midfielder added that Flick’s concern for the squad extends beyond tactical preparation. The Barcelona manager wants every player to be fully ready and to receive enough care and recovery time before matches.

“He cares a lot about the players and always wants everyone to be 100% ready, and to receive enough care and rest,” Gavi said.

Barcelona have endured a demanding period, with matches arriving in quick succession and little time between them. Gavi said the physical and mental strain had been significant, but that the players had to adjust to the demands of the schedule.

“As he said in recent days, we have suffered a lot of physical and mental fatigue, but we have to adapt to it because we are playing consecutive matches with short intervals between them,” he said. “That is the nature of football and the season.”

Gavi believes the lack of sufficient recovery time is the issue that affects Flick most.

“I think what affects him most is when the players do not get enough rest,” he added.