Madrid’s trip east for El Clásico has acquired an extra layer of noise before a ball is kicked, with José Mourinho declining to be drawn into reports about the referee expected to take charge at Camp Nou.
Mourinho was asked about speculation that Juan Martínez Munuera could be appointed for Real Madrid’s meeting with Barcelona, amid claims concerning coaching services allegedly contracted with the son of José María Enríquez Negreira. The Portuguese coach said the question had caught him unprepared and stressed that he does not judge an official by name before an appointment is formally made.
“This takes me by surprise,” Mourinho said. “The referee’s name never bothers me. I always begin from the belief that the referee is good. Knowing who it is does not concern me; what concerns me is when rules are broken. Whoever it is, I hope it goes well for him.”
Madrid plans kept behind closed doors
While the attention around the fixture has turned towards the possible appointment, Mourinho said his Real Madrid team is already selected for the visit to their historic rivals. He did not offer tactical details or reveal his intended line-up, despite confirming that his preparations for the match are complete.
Asked whether he intended to target Barcelona’s defensive shortcomings, Mourinho met the question with the familiar blend of caution and humour that often accompanies his biggest European fixtures.
“I am not going to answer that. You are clever, but I am not stupid,” he said.
The coach also dismissed suggestions that his beard has become a lucky charm during Madrid’s unbeaten sequence since he grew it. Mourinho insisted there is no superstition behind the run, joking that his appearance has nothing to do with results.
“I must be one of the few people in football with no superstitions,” he said. “Do I look terrible with the beard? It has nothing to do with that.”
For Madrid, the final days before Barcelona are therefore focused on the mental and tactical work already completed inside the squad, rather than the debate surrounding an official whose designation had not yet been announced.
