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“I don’t need Rodri”: What Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho makes of the world champion turning them down.

Rodri’s switch from Manchester City to Barcelona may appear to be an embarrassment for Real Madrid. After all, the club from the Spanish capital had earlier made major efforts to sign the midfielder, but Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona instead. However, Real coach Jose Mourinho does not agree with that reading of the situation.

“I spoke to him twice, and Real Madrid made him a very good offer,” Mourinho told El Chiringuito. “Rodri had doubts, he hesitated, and Rodri’s doubts created doubts in me,” Mourinho said.

So, did Real no longer want Rodri by the end? Probably not, but Mourinho appears to understand the player’s position. “He is an exceptional player and was very respectful towards us. I have nothing negative to say, but Real Madrid are such a big club that they cannot have players who ask themselves questions,” said the coach.

If Real call, the response should be more along the lines of: “When should I come?” Even then, Mourinho still had no criticism of Rodri: “He was very respectful towards us. I wish him all the best. Not too much, of course, but I wish him all the best.”

Will Real Madrid now move to strengthen their midfield?

With the era of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric now over, many viewed Rodri as the ideal figure to control the rhythm in Real’s midfield. Mourinho, though, dismissed suggestions that his squad lack that sort of presence in the centre of the pitch. The Portuguese manager has full faith in the progress of his current players and in the quality already available to him.

“I don’t need Rodri,” Mourinho said. “We are not lacking players. I’m not saying there will be no more signings because the market is open, but if you ask me directly whether it is over for me — yes. It is over. I really like this squad a lot.”