The second part of José Mourinho’s interview with Josep Pedrerol was broadcast by El Chiringuito overnight.
After discussing a wide range of topics in the first part of the interview, the Special One turned his attention to Yan Diomandé, Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler, Barcelona, his return to Real Madrid and the Negreira case.
Bernardo Silva
Mourinho first spoke about Bernardo Silva, a player he was particularly eager to have in his squad.
“I think he is a Pep Guardiola player, one of those players Pep fell in love with. And when Pep falls in love with a player, that says a lot, because he has always worked with the best players in the world.”
The Portuguese coach then explained what he expects from his new midfielder.
“He gives you everything. I hope we have few problems and a lot of stability. If we have that, then for me Bernardo is now a midfielder, but he can play as a number 10, on the right, come inside… He can play everywhere. His understanding of the game is incredible, and he is a player I have always liked.”
Mourinho also insisted that the transfer had nothing to do with preventing Atlético Madrid or Barcelona from signing him.
“It’s not about taking him away from them so that our neighbours are unhappy. It was my conviction: Bernardo has the level required to play for Real Madrid.”
Arda Güler
Mourinho was also asked who could eventually replace the influence of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
“There is only one Luka and one Toni,” he replied.
He then discussed Arda Güler, whom he believes could gradually move into a deeper midfield role.
“I love Güler. I think something similar to what happened with Modric or Bernardo Silva will happen with him. You start in one position and finish in another. You start as a number 10 and end up as an eight or a six. I think Arda will go in that direction as he develops and improves his understanding of the game.”
Diomandé
Mourinho also revealed that he did not specifically demand any signings when he returned to Real Madrid. Instead, he analysed the squad and discussed potential targets with the club.
“No, I didn’t ask for anyone. I arrived without demanding any player. I analysed the squad carefully and knew what I would like to add, but I also wanted to understand what the club thought. We were completely on the same page.”
He highlighted Dumfries and Konaté as examples of players signed because of the team’s needs rather than their commercial appeal.
“With all due respect to those two fantastic players, they are not necessarily the kind of signings that make supporters dream or make social media explode, but we needed them.”
On Diomandé, Mourinho was equally clear.
“Diomandé is a fast, aggressive winger who can play on both sides. That is not easy to find. He is also young, he can improve and he has many years ahead of him at Real Madrid.”
“When the opportunity came, I didn’t want to analyse whether he cost €120 million, €80 million, €40 million or €20 million. I analyse the player’s profile and what he can bring to my team. In that sense, I said: ‘Yes, I want him.’ Whether he costs €120 million or €80 million is no longer my problem.”
Yamal and Barcelona
Mourinho had no problem admitting that he enjoys watching Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.
“Yes, yes, I like them a lot. Very good work. Flick, Deco and obviously the players. I like them a lot.”
However, he said he would not swap any of his players for Lamine Yamal.
“Obviously, he is a great player, a young player with incredible room for improvement. It is not normal to already be a European and world champion at his age. But we have a top squad. I wouldn’t make room for anyone. These are my players now, and my players are the best.”
His return to Real Madrid
Mourinho also described his reaction when Real Madrid contacted him about returning to the club.
“When Madrid called me, it was over. Easy. I wanted to come. I didn’t have the slightest doubt.”
For Mourinho, returning for a second spell carries an even deeper meaning.
“I’m coming back without having just won everything. I’m coming back because they know me and because they know what I can bring. I’m not coming back because I won a treble. I’m coming back because they know me. That is deeper, and it makes me very happy.”
The Negreira case
Finally, Mourinho was asked about the Negreira case.
“The Negreira case is in the hands of the justice system. Let’s see what justice does.”
He then made a striking admission.
“When I was here, without even knowing that his name was José María Negreira, I felt that something was strange. Years later, we know that what was happening was not normal.”
Asked whether the payments could amount to manipulation of the competition, Mourinho referenced Italy’s Calciopoli scandal.
“You simply have to have the courage to look at things directly. In Italy, they did it with Calciopoli.”
However, when Pedrerol asked whether Barcelona should be relegated to the second division, Mourinho refused to go that far.
“That’s your conclusion. No… Spanish football needs Barcelona.”
🚨 José Mourinho when asked if he requested Yan Diomande signing:
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2026
“No, I did not ask but I WANTED him”.
“He’s a great player who can play on both sides”, told El Chiringuito. pic.twitter.com/cpB9i2s7UY
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