Mourinho dismisses Rodri's Barcelona move as Real Madrid close transfer window

José Mourinho has brushed aside the significance of Rodri joining Barcelona, declaring “I don’t need Rodri” just hours after the Spain captain officially signed for Real Madrid’s rivals on Tuesday — the same day Mourinho was formally presented as Madrid manager for a second time.

Rodri completed his transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona on Tuesday, ending a pursuit that Mourinho confirmed had involved direct contact between the player and the club. The Portuguese manager revealed he spoke with Rodri on two occasions as Madrid weighed up a move for the World Cup’s best player, but said the midfielder’s hesitation ultimately cooled his own interest.

“The club contacted him but he had some doubts,” Mourinho told Spanish TV show El Chiringuito late Tuesday. “What I think happened is that his doubts have created doubts for me. He’s an extraordinary player and was very correct with us. But I think Real Madrid is of such a stature that it can’t have players who think twice about being with the club.”

Mourinho, who was hired in June and took over at the start of preseason in July, was adamant that losing out on Rodri to Barcelona does not represent a blow to Madrid’s ambitions. “Victories are won on the field, they are won with titles,” he said, adding that he did not believe Barcelona had gained an advantage over Madrid by securing the midfielder’s signature.

The club has moved to strengthen in other areas this summer, bringing in Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva and Yan Diomandé. Mourinho indicated that business is effectively done, despite the transfer window remaining open.

“I’m not saying there won’t be any more signings because the market is still open, but if you ask me directly if it’s closed for Madrid, yes, it’s closed,” he said.

Mourinho’s second stint in charge comes after Madrid endured a second consecutive season without a major trophy. The team opens their La Liga campaign on Saturday away at Espanyol.