Mourinho talks Cucurella, Diomande, Camavinga, Bernardo, Lunin after Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid

Mourinho talks Cucurella, Diomande, Camavinga, Bernardo, Lunin after Barcelona 1-2 Real MadridJose Mourinho had plenty to celebrate after Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the 2026/27 season, but the Portuguese manager also found time to deliver a cheeky message to the home supporters. Speaking after the match, Mourinho joked that Barcelona fans had prevented him from taking his usual afternoon nap before the game, before explaining how his tactical decisions, squad depth and Eduardo Camavinga’s decisive contribution helped Madrid secure the win.The Real Madrid manager also praised Marc Cucurella for his performance against Lamine Yamal, highlighted Yan Diomande’s defensive contribution and backed Andriy Lunin after the goalkeeper stepped in for Thibaut Courtois.Mourinho takes a playful dig at Barcelona fansMourinho opened his post-match comments by dedicating the victory to the Barcelona supporters whose singing outside the team hotel had disrupted his rest before the game.“I dedicate this win to the Barca fans that did not let me take my nap in the hotel today.“They came to the hotel and they kept singing all day, so I couldn’t take my nap.Well, I didn’t nap, but I did beat their team. A big hug to them.”The remark captured Mourinho’s ability to add personality to a major victory. More importantly for Real Madrid, the result gave his team a significant psychological boost in a fixture that can have consequences well beyond the three points on offer.Mourinho also praised Cucurella’s discipline against Yamal and credited Diomande for limiting Barcelona’s options on the opposite flank.Mourinho had nothing but praise for Cucurella. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)“We’ve got two top-class left-backs, which means I can rotate them a bit. Carreras played on Wednesday, and that allowed Cucu to be fresh, focused and thinking only about this match.“Obviously he was up against a great player, but he’s his teammate and knows him well. “I always say that I only really understand how good players are when I see them right in front of me – when I’m on the touchline.“He is very good, but he’s also clever. He tried everything to get Cucu booked, but Cucu held his ground well, and Diomande very rarely let Espart or Cancelo get the better of him. “A great team effort. But Cucu… he was excellent against a very good opponent.”Mourinho explains midfield balance and Camavinga decisionReal Madrid’s tactical adjustments were another major talking point. Mourinho explained that the team’s recent performances had reinforced his belief in combining midfielders with different strengths rather than relying on players with similar characteristics.“That I have an extraordinary squad, with every player possessing the quality and mentality to play. “I’ve learnt that in midfield… having a mix of talents gives us more than having two players with similar characteristics.“And by that I mean that the Bernardo-Güler double pivot… I don’t use it. Or only in desperate situations.“But the double pivot we finished with today – Camavinga and Tchouameni – will also only be used at specific moments. I’m enjoying it.“I think the people at the top like this mix too, because it gives us balance in defence and more quality when it comes to building from the back.”Camavinga played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s match-winning goal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)Mourinho then detailed why Camavinga’s introduction proved important, particularly after Barcelona brought Frenkie de Jong onto the pitch. The Madrid manager wanted fresh legs to sustain the press and exploit openings during transitions, with Camavinga instructed to attack spaces from deeper positions.“Camavinga, like everyone else, is a first-team player. There are times when you want to make substitutions; you look at the bench, and many managers suffer because they have no options, because they’re unable to implement their ideas. But I’ve got a strong bench.“Camavinga had an extraordinary match against Leipzig; today he was on the bench. Flick brought on De Jong, who’s a real powerhouse, to face Bernardo, who’d been working hard against Pedri for a long time…“The match needed fresh legs to keep up the pressing and to launch counter-attacks.“And I told Camavinga that, obviously, it was Tchouameni who was covering that position due to his attributes and having picked up a yellow card… and that he had to attack the spaces – something that’s difficult against Barcelona, because often you attack and you’re offside or the goalkeeper is off his line.“If the run comes from the second line, as Camavinga did, it’s more difficult for them. Things went well. A great match; the team deserved more.”Mourinho backs Lunin and refuses to declare a first choice teamAsked whether the victory could prove a turning point in the season, Mourinho emphasised both the psychological importance of the result and the manner in which Real Madrid earned it.Andriy Lunin put on a great performance vs Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)“This was a match where we could have come away with three, six or nine points. Obviously, if you come away with nine, it’s a psychological burden.“The way we won is also different. Because you can win with a bit of luck, but we did it calmly and fully deserved it.”The manager also insisted that his starting lineup would remain flexible, pointing to the quality and competitiveness within the squad. He used the discussion around Bernardo’s selection to explain why he would not commit to a fixed first-choice team.“On the selection of Bernardo… I’ve only been here a little over three months. And although I know him well, that’s one thing; knowing how he can slot into the team’s dynamics is quite another.“The squad is very strong. I’ll never say that this is my first-choice team or that this line-up is set in stone, because the squad is very good and well-rounded. The lads work hard. Everyone is ready.“And that’s just how it is. You’ve already asked me two questions and neither was about Lunin, but if we lose here because of mistakes he makes, the first or second question would be about him.“I’ve only said to him, ‘You train to play, not to sit on the bench; go and play.’ And he’s put in a performance with great composure and poise.“We have the best goalkeeper in the world, but today none of us has been upset that Thibaut isn’t playing,” he concluded.Source: AS