English Premier League
Puyol: Mourinho can make Real Madrid ‘stronger’ as Rodri move boosts Barcelona
Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol believes Real Madrid could become “stronger” under the Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, while saying Barcelona will be determined to win another league title.
Puyol was speaking on Tuesday during a video call with international media, including the Spanish news agency EFE, organised by ESPN. He reflected on Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid and recalled the intense rivalry between the two clubs during the period when Mourinho managed Madrid and Pep Guardiola led Barcelona.
“We are talking about a great coach, Mourinho,” said Puyol. “I met him at Barcelona when I was in the youth academy and then moved up to the first team. It was clear to us then that he had extensive knowledge of football. After that, he built a wonderful career and joined Real Madrid. We were at the peak of our rivalry, and I remember that fierce competition.”
As reported by AS, Puyol added: “In those years, with Guardiola and Mourinho, Messi and Cristiano, they were two great teams. We will see how they perform. I still believe Barcelona have a very good team and will be able to have a good season. But Real Madrid with Mourinho could become stronger.”
Puyol also praised the work of Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, particularly the team’s use of a high defensive line.
“I like playing with a high defensive line,” he said. “It requires commitment not only from the defenders, because if there is no pressure on the player with the ball, they will create a lot of problems.”
Rodri arrival welcomed by Puyol
The former Spain defender described Rodri’s move to Barcelona as “very good news” and said the midfielder would bring greater balance to the team.
“Rodri joining is very good news for Barcelona,” said Puyol. “He is one of the best midfielders in the world. I had the opportunity to watch him play live at the World Cup and I admire him a lot. He gives teams a great deal of balance and fits Barcelona’s style of play perfectly.”
Puyol said Rodri had already demonstrated his qualities with Spain and Manchester City under Guardiola.
“He has proved that with the Spain national team and with Manchester City under Guardiola,” he added. “He will help us a lot; it is a pivotal position, and now Barcelona’s midfield will become much stronger.”
Puyol also welcomed Sergio Busquets’ return to Barcelona, with the former midfielder now working as a coach in the club’s youth academy.
“It surprised me because I thought it would take him a little longer before getting involved in work, but it seems this is what he was destined to do,” said Puyol. “He can help the youth academy a lot tactically, as well as through his extensive experience. He is a great leader and an exceptional captain. Gaining experience during this period will be very useful for him.”
The former defender also offered support to his former team-mate Lionel Messi following the death of Messi’s father.
“Leo, stay strong and keep your spirits high,” Puyol said. “I told him that privately. We all love him and stand by him and his family.”
Puyol said he was amazed by what Messi had achieved at the age of 39 and described him as the undisputed leader of Argentina.
“I find what he has achieved at 39 incredible,” he said. “He is the undisputed leader, and if Argentina reached the World Cup final, it was because of Messi, because Argentina’s performances were not consistent. But in the final 30 minutes of every match, Leo was in control, even in the final, when Spain were the better team. They had chances in the closing minutes and posed a great threat.”
“For me, he is the best in history and a role model for all young players at the beginning of their careers.”
Puyol identified Barcelona’s 6-2 victory over Real Madrid in 2009 as his favourite Clasico. The result effectively secured the league title for Barcelona.
“I was fortunate to play in many Clasicos, but the 6-2 match is the one that remains in my memory,” he said.
“It was an extremely difficult season and Guardiola’s first year with us. The first half of the season was very good, but Real Madrid were closing the gap. We were four points behind with four matches remaining, and we recorded an incredible win that practically gave us the league title.”
Puyol also backed the idea of staging La Liga matches outside Spain, saying such fixtures could give supporters abroad the chance to watch the competition in person.
“There has been talk for many years about holding matches abroad,” he said. “It is difficult for teams to lose a home match, but it is an opportunity for the fans who follow our competition to enjoy it directly. If the clubs and La Liga decide to do it, I think it is a good idea.”
He added that Lamine Yamal had all the qualities needed to help Spain win another World Cup and Barcelona claim many more trophies, although the teenager must remain focused on football.
“There is a lot of news about Lamine,” said Puyol. “I see him as calm, competitive and humble. I see him as a competitive player, but we need to make him understand that he has won a World Cup and important trophies, but he must continue developing as a player and seek to add more titles to his collection.”
“Spain have all the ingredients. Spain are a very young team and their future is bright. Winning one World Cup is a great achievement; winning two would be incredible, and if there is a generation capable of doing that, it is this generation. That is what I will try to motivate them to do.”
