Mourinho rejects Barcelona comparisons

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho argued that it is unfair to compare his team with Barcelona's established success ahead of Sunday's El Clasico. The Portuguese coach said that, despite a strong start to his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, the project is still developing.

Madrid arrive at Camp Nou having won their last four matches in La Liga and the Champions League. However, they sit third in the league table, six points behind defending champions Barcelona. Hansi Flick's Barcelona have performed flawlessly in league matches this season.

Mourinho did not think it was right to compare his team with a side that scored 39 goals in its first nine league matches. Reminding everyone that Madrid have 23 goals this season, the coach also highlighted his team's attacking strength. In his view, the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain or the 4-1 win over Leipzig alone is not enough to change the team's perception.

The Portuguese coach said his squad is still learning its tactical demands and trying to build an identity. "People see us as a finished product, but in football finished products are difficult because they never end," said Mourinho, describing the situation as a starting process.

Mourinho repeated that it is unfair to compare his team at this stage with an established Barcelona side. He said Madrid's goals have not changed and that the club continues to pursue its great ambitions.