Real Madrid: José Mourinho criticizes Rodri after his choice to join Barça

Rodri ultimately did not join Real Madrid. While the 30-year-old Spanish midfielder was widely expected to sign with Los Blancos during the summer transfer window, he ultimately chose to continue his career at FC Barcelona. A decision that apparently did not particularly affect José Mourinho.

Appearing on the El Chiringuito television program, the Portuguese coach discussed the talks he reportedly had with Rodri before making his final decision. According to the manager, the player's hesitations gradually dampened his interest.

“Rodri had doubts, he hesitated… And his hesitations ultimately sowed doubt in my mind,” Mourinho explained. For the Portuguese manager, a club of Real Madrid’s stature cannot afford to pursue a player who isn’t entirely convinced about joining them.

The Special One was particularly clear about the demands of the Madrid club: "Real Madrid is of such a caliber that it cannot afford to have players who hesitate."

Rodri's signing with FC Barcelona was then presented to Mourinho as a possible victory for arch-rivals Real Madrid. But the former Madrid coach immediately downplayed the significance of the transfer with a particularly curt response.

"Victories are won on the field, those are the titles," he declared.

This was Mourinho's way of reminding everyone that, despite the prestige of a signing or the rivalry between the two Spanish giants, the real verdict remains the competition. Rodri, for his part, will now have to live up to the expectations raised by his arrival at Barça on the pitch.