Jose Mourinho claims he would not find room for Barcelona star Lamine Yamal at Real Madrid and insists his players are “the best”.
Yamal played a key part as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy over the summer, two years after starring as Luis de la Fuente’s men claimed the European crown.
The 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world but Mourinho is adamant he would rather work with what he has at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking to El Chiringuito, the Portuguese was asked if he would like to have Yamal at Madrid. He replied: “No. He is a great player without a doubt, a young man with an incredible margin of progression. It is not normal at his age to be European and world champion, but we have a top squad, I would not make a hole for anyone. They are mine and mine are the best.”
Mourinho excited to work with new signing Diomande at Real Madrid
Yan Diomande is expected to play on the right of Madrid’s attack this season – a role Yamal occupies at Barca. The Ivory Coast winger joined the club from RB Leipzig earlier this month in a deal worth a club record £120million.
Mourinho is not concerned by the player’s price tag but is excited to work with him this season.
“Diomande is a fast, aggressive winger that can play on both sides, [a player like that is] not easy to find,” added Mourinho.
“Also, he is young and will progress with many years to come at Real Madrid.
“I don’t want to analyse if he costs €120m, €80m or €40m. I analyse the player’s profile, what he can give to my team and in that sense I said: ‘Yes, I want him.’ The fee is not my business.”
Mourinho confident Real Madrid midfielder Guler will shine this season
Midfield schemer Arda Guler is expected to be big player for Madrid this season and Mourinho is a fan of the young Turkey star.
He said: “I love Güler. I think something similar to [Luka] Modric or Bernardo Silva will happen to him, you start in one position and finish in another, you start from 10 and you will finish at 8, at 6. I think Arda will go in that direction with evolution and his knowledge of the game.”
Madrid open their La Liga campaign at Espanyol on Saturday. Barca are in action 24 hours later with a game against Elche.
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